The Hungry Ghost Festival took place in Bukit Mertajam, Malaysia. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Associated Press.
During the festival, held on August 28-29, ethnic Chinese devotees prayed before a paper statue of Da Shi Ye, the Guardian God of Ghosts, lit incense sticks, and threw paper offerings into a fire. Chinese opera performers also took part in the procession.
Associated Press photographer Vincent Thian captured key moments of the festival. The photos show the making of paper statues, ceremonies, burning of offerings, and the procession.
The festival is a tradition of honoring ancestors and helping wandering spirits. Participants burn paper houses, money, and other items, believing they will reach the spirits.