Both Taoist and Buddhist temples will hold special prayers for the departed souls. The most elaborate ceremonies are found in Taoist temples where Chinese operas, stage shows together with dinners are usually held in the temple premises or their vicinities. To the uninformed, those few empty tables and chairs at the front of the stages are reserved for ‘visiting ghosts’ that might want to join in the fun.
Believers would bring offerings and other paraphernalia made from paper and bamboo strips for their departed relatives. Taoist priests will perform rituals, chant prayers and do their elaborated moves, accompanied by beats from cymbals and drums to bring peace as well as to help the ghosts to go on their ways safely. These ceremonies are also meant for those homeless and hungry ghosts that have nobody to pray for them.
The climax of the month long festival is the burning of the effigy of the Deity “Da Shi Ye” or Guardian God of Ghosts.
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| Taoist priests chanting, while doing their intricate movments to bless the departed souls. |
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| The priest's helper carrying the altar of the departed to the paper boat so as to send them on their ways back to the lower realm. |
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| Family members being blessed by the priests by circling the prayer area. |
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| These roasted pigs were donated by believers. In the background was the effigy of the "Da She Ye". |
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| Helpers helping to chop up and distribute the roast pork to believers. |
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| Some of the paper horses offered to be burnt at the end of the festival. |
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| One of the performers. |
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| The priests were doing their final chanting of prayers. |
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| All paper effigies, including the Diety "Da She Ye" or God Of Ghost being burnt at the end of the festival. |
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