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Chap Goh Mei
(Guan Xiao Cheh) Procession
Chap Goh Mei
Procession (BAU)
  
The Chinese
in the town managed to keep the tradition alive over the decades despite
modernisation and Western influence. One of the example is the Chap Goh Mei
Procession, a religious procession held in the town to mark the end of the
Chinese New Year Celebration. Held in the morning on the 15th day of the
First Moon of Chinese Calendar. Participated by lion dance, dragon dance
troupes, Chinese musical bands, fancy dress teams.
  
More than
3000 people thronged the town centre here to watch the annual Chap Goh Mei
procession which marked the end of the lunar year celebration on Saturday
night. According the Deputy Minister of National Unity and Community
Development Dr Tiki Lafe, the procession, which was participated by various
races in the district, signified the existing cordial and warm relationship
among the people of Bau. Praising the organiser of the procession for
involving all the races, he pointed out that despite the recent flood, which
was the worst in 40 years, the people had chosen to proceed with the
celebration. "Events like tonight's will continue to bolster our
solidarity and create more room for interactions and hence strengthen our
relationship," he said after witnessing the procession that was
participated by more than 40 groups. Calling on the people to oppose any
forms of extremism, Dr Tiki said: "We must combat those who are
propagating extremism among us. Let us continue to preserve the harmony and
peace that have brought us prosperity all these years." He also advised
the people to be courteous to visitors in view of the increased tourist
arrivals in the district. "We must encourage them to come back. This
will bring us economic returns. We must also promote our local products to
them," he added before announcing a RM40,000 grant for the construction
of a stage at Bong
Loh Sian
Temple.
The highlight of the event is a Chinese Medium been carried on
knife-bladed sedan chair.
   
Before the
procession started, the medium performed a ritual in the Bong Low Sian Tze temple (A splendid
tourist attraction spot of Bau
Town is the Bong Low
Sian temple. It is the 3rd largest temple in Sarawak)
 
and then went in trance after 'inviting' the deity Bong Low Sian Tze to enter
his body to give him the mighty power to protect him from been hurt by the
sharp knife blades. The procession passes through the major streets in
the town to enable the medium to bless the twon and to wade off evil spirits
and bring good luck and peace to the town.
A historical photo of the procession during 1978
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