Sungai Petani Things to Do

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This (which I will call "A music wagon") small lorry that was fully decorated and a group of singers rendering devotional songs of Bahjans. Bhajans are devotional songs recited in praise of, and expressing love for and gratitude to, the Lord. Contemplating, uttering or writing the names of the Lord serves to purify one's mind, speech and action. Chanting the names of the Lord is one of the means of God-realisation.

Bhajans can be sung by an individual either quietly in one's heart or loudly for all to hear.

Devotional singing is not just a mechanical performance. Bhaava (feeling), Raaga (melody), and Thaala (rhythm) are the essentials for proper singing of Bhajans.The devotee should immerse himself or herself in the singing, combining one's voice, tune, feeling, and rhythm to the appropriate beat of the song.The sacred words of the song should be an outpouring of love and devotion towards God.

Thats so true, I wish I could jump into the wagon and listens to the beautiful Bhajans songs.

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Vinayagar Sathurthi festival was a major religious event for the Hindus worldwide. In Sungai Petani, the last day of the 10days celebration was held here. The Golden and Silver Chariot procession begin around 7pm along the roads in Sungai Petani.

The festival was just great, street performances, drum beats, fire dances, peacock dances, and people offering free food to the public.

The elephant headed Lord Ganesha, who is widely worshipped as the god of wisdom, prosperity and good fortune..

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The Sri Sithi Vinayagar Temple, recently celebrated Vinayaka Shathurthi is the Hindu festival of Ganesha, the son of Shiva and Parvati, who is believed to bestow his presence on earth for all his devotees in the duration of this festival. It is the day Shiva declared his son Ganesha as superior to all the gods. Ganesha is widely worshipped as the god of wisdom, prosperity and good fortune.

The date usually falls between 19 August and 15 September. every year. The festival lasts for 10 days, and everynight at Sri Sithi Vinayagar Temple in Sungai Petani, there are prayers, free vegetarian food for the devotees..

Modak is a famous Indian sweet, prepared especially Lord Ganesha on his Birthday, as it's his favorite sweet. Thus, majority of the people consider it a must to make Modak on the very first day of Ganesh Shathurthi.

I guess Im the only chinese there to witness this special prayers that night.. I took a lot of pictures, inside the temple is like a grand palace to me..Beautiful..

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The Mangroves Forest along the Merbuk River (Sungai Merbok) at Sungai Petani, Kedah could be the largest protected mangroves forest in Malaysia. Mangroves are special habitats. They protect the shoreline from erosion and tsunamis, provide shelter from wind, provide habitat for fish and shellfish, serve as stopover sites for migratory birds and wood products.

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Another famous Indian temple in Sungai Petani.. Very crowded during thaipusam and other festivals.

Everyone incl my family came here for prayers and blessings, I like to come during the prayer time at certain hours of the day, where indian trumpets and drums were played beautifully, you have to be to witness this special ceremony, where the priest will clean the statue, of yes, registered your name and pay a little amount of money for prayers you seek. Fold your hand in front of deity and the priest will say some prayers and speak your name in tamil, put a spot of ash on your forehead and give you some water to sip for blessing (You want to know what water it is? you have to ask me for the answer) hehe.. and leave the temple with a happy feeling..oh yes, remove your shoes before entering the temple.

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A beautiful park in Sungai Petani, officially open by the Sultan of Kedah in 1983. Its a place for relaxing, jogging and practising chinese tai chi, picnic and couples dating in the park. I used to date here too :))

The park have a playing ground for the children, a pond of ninja turtles, and a big enclosure with some species of birds and deers. Its really a nice place to spend time here with family and friends.

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So, Hungry Ghost Month was celebrated in Sungai Petani (SP) too..
Chinese singing concert and operas, they are everywhere in SP for the wandering ghosts to see and enjoy during the month of Hungry Ghost. Remember, first class VIP seatings in front of stage belongs to the Ghost..;-)

When there's a concert, well there are food to eat too.. for the human, of cos.. The ever famous food they have are - lobak chien, chien hae chi, ban chan kuih, lai chee kang and many more..

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For a real taste of Sungai Petani, visit the Farmer's Market which is held on Sundays, Mondays and Thursdays in the center of town, beside the Sungai Petani river. A great place to sample locally produced Malaysian food at a good price. Im always there to buy fish, bunga kantan and whatever I needed for cooking my laksa..