Translated by WINNIE CHOOI
Sin Chew Daily

MELAKA -- A sensational boat parade took place in Melaka early in the morning of Chap Goh Meh (the 15th and last day of Lunar New Year).

The spectacular event, parading down many streets in the old city for nine hours,.attracted thousands of devotees and tourists alike.

Having last paraded here eleven years ago, the Yong Chuen Temple boat parade re-appeared in Melaka with the new creation of "Chuen An" boat for the Year of Dragon.

"Chuen An" has been so named to usher in smoothness in all undertakings while fending off undesirable road accidents in accident-prone areas, especially at T-junctions.

Led by thirty two teams, "Chuen An" is 23 ft long, 9 ft wide and 8 ft tall, and is worth RM80,000.

The boat departed at 7.30a.m. from Yong Chuen Temple through several streets in the old town, including Jonker Street, Kling Street and Jalan Bunga Raya. The parade ended at 4.00p.m at the Temple, and the boat later departed from the temple at 7.30p.m. for Pulau Melaka for incineration.

Yong Chuen Temple boat parade was first inaugurated in 1846, and was later held in 1919 and 1933. It was then suspended for 68 years before it re-appeared in the year 2001.

The fifth in history, this year's parade has offered the public a rare opportunity to witness this unique event.

Escorted by 2,000 devotees

Almost two thousand devotees escorted the boat to Pulau Melaka for incineration. The burning ceremony was meant to disperse the bad luck and usher in the good fortune. This climax took place around 7.30p.m. with the assembly of devotees and eight small boats outside the temple escorting the big boat.

The boat began its journey after some traditional ceremonies by a Taoist priest in the temple. It then started from the temple, passing through Jalan Bandar Hilir towards Melaka Raya. It then turned into Jalan Melaka Raya 3 opposite Sin Chew Daily office before heading up to Pulau Melaka.

The event attracted a big crowd of spectators along its way, with devotees down on their knees to pray for blessings. Firecrackers were also set off continuously while devotees shouted auspicious slogans.

The boat reached its final destination at about 9.50p.m. and traditional rites were once again conducted by Taoist priests. The devotees were given a small packet of tea bag to throw into the boat before the burning started. They then left without turning back their heads.