Photoessay: Ephemeral Temples

In George Town, Penang, the Hungry Ghost Festival is one of the key festivals celebrated by the Chinese community that transforms the city each year. Temporary tents are raised in unexpected places — often by the roadside, behind shoplots, or even taking up half the road. These fragile structures become temporary spaces to honour the King of Hades and wandering spirits. Makeshift temples, fleeting yet sacred, emerge for prayer and disappear just as quickly, leaving only traces in memory.

The tolerance and harmony among our multi-racial communities make this possible, allowing such traditions to continue and coexist within our shared urban space.

Under the project “Ephemeral Temples,” the series documents this architecture of faith — improvised structures that carry centuries of tradition, existing only in their brief moment yet deeply rooted in the collective rhythm of the community.

Armenian Street

Jalan Pintal Tali

Jalan Kuala Kangsar

Jalan Kuala Kangsar

Lebuh Keng Kwee

Kimberley Street

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