BUTTERWORTH: Some Nine Emperor Gods temples in Butterworth are providing free vegetarian meals to those who cannot afford the high prices during the festival. The price of a plate of food during the festival can be as high as RM20. Sungai Puyu assemblyman Phee Syn Tze stated that two temples in her constituency are offering free vegetarian food for devotees who maintain a vegetarian diet, instead of purchasing from local stalls. She mentioned that anyone can receive the free meals, regardless of their status or background, and they also have the option to make a token payment if they wish. Syn Tze believes that this initiative is a positive way to ensure the participation of everyone in the festivities.
The Tow Boo Kong temple in Butterworth serves free vegetarian meals twice a day, during lunch and dinner. Temple chairman Datuk Khor Wan Tat explained that there are two distribution sessions, from 11.30am to 1pm and 5.30pm to 7pm, which run throughout the festival. Khor encourages the public to come and enjoy the food, which is prepared by five chefs and more than 30 volunteers. Typically, three dishes and rice are served during each session, with enough food for approximately 2,000 people. Khor anticipates an increase in the number of attendees as the festival nears its end. The cost of the meals is entirely funded by devotees, who contribute either in cash or rations. Khor added that some individuals also donate vegetables, which has been a longstanding practice.
This year, devotees following a strict nine-day vegetarian diet in honor of the Nine Emperor Gods festival will have to pay more for their food. Food sellers cite the rising cost of ingredients, as well as increased wages for their workers due to the higher cost of living, as reasons for the price hike. A Penangite expressed their anger after being charged RM81 for approximately five vegetarian food items at stalls near a Nine Emperor Gods temple. This incident sparked a debate regarding whether vegetarian vendors are profiteering during the festival.
The Nine Emperor Gods festival is a Taoist celebration that honors the nine sons of Tou Mu, the Goddess of the North Star and guardian of the Books of Life and Death. Legend has it that her sons, known as ren huang or human sovereigns, possess the ability to heal illnesses and bestow devotees with good fortune, wealth, and longevity. Devotees believe that the gods arrive through waterways, and symbolic processions are often held from the temples to rivers or seashores. The festival concludes on October 23rd of this year.
