YI MIN TRAVELS 135 KILOMETRES TO WITNESS LIGHTING OF GIANT "PANJUT"

KUALA KANGSAR, March 28 (Bernama) -- A woman travelled 135 kilometres from Bayan Lepas, Penang, to Kampung Ribu just to experience the vibrancy of the lighting of the giant panjut (traditional oil lamps) which is decorated in the shape of the Ubudiah Mosque, a symbol of the Royal Town of Kuala Kangsar.

Chiow Yi Min, 35, said she and three friends set off by car at about 7 pm yesterday and arrived in Kampung Ribu at about 9 pm. 

“This is my second time attending the festival in a row, but this year feels even more special because I’m here with friends who are just as excited to see this breathtaking replica, illuminated by thousands of lamps.

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“What draws me in is not just the atmosphere, but the sheer size of the replica, which is even larger than in previous years. The way the lights beautifully illuminate the mosque-shaped structure is truly mesmerising,” she shared.

Chiow was among the many visitors of different backgrounds who gathered at the site, witnessing the annual lighting of the grand panjut display last night.

She said the panjut festival, which has gained recognition through social media, should be preserved as it serves as a platform for educating non-Malays about Malay customs and traditions, adding that such events indirectly help foster stronger relationships and unity among people of different backgrounds.

“For instance, when I first came here, I took a few photos and shared them on social media. Many of my friends were captivated by its beauty and became eager to experience it for themselves,” she said.

Meanwhile, M. Jayanittah, 22, attended the panjut festival for the first time, accompanied by her Malay friends.

The Ipoh-born shared that beyond the visual spectacle, the event was a meaningful opportunity for her to bond with her friends and immerse herself in the festive atmosphere.

“I actually came here by chance, invited by friends. But I’m truly happy and excited because I’ve never seen a panjut this large before, and the mosque-shaped replica is simply stunning,” she said.

Meanwhile, Muhammad Eizrul Azhar Khairul Anuar, 26, shared that the panjut festival brings back fond childhood memories, especially of Aidilfitri preparations.

“The sight of the lamps illuminating this mosque replica instantly takes me back to my younger days, helping my late grandfather prepare the materials and equipment to make panjut.

“To me, this tradition should continue, as it revives the joy and excitement of village life, especially in preparing for Aidilfitri,” he said.

According to Persatuan Penggemar Panjut Kampung Ribu chairman Amirruddin Mohd Lazim, the Ubudiah Mosque replica is illuminated by 1,500 lamps, with construction starting on March 4 and completed only yesterday.

He said that since the festival’s inception in 2016, 30 association members participated each year, crafting a new mosque-inspired design annually to keep the tradition fresh and exciting.

-- BERNAMA