THE Sard Duen Sib Festival, or the Tenth Lunar Month Festival, is an important celebration for Southern Thai people as well as the Siamese community in Kedah. This ceremony stems from the belief that during this month, ancestors will come back and visit their descendants. Families show their gratitude by preparing food and utensils for monks to share the good deeds with their ancestors.
The Siamese community in Kedah observed the start of this ceremony at Wat Lampam, and the festival coincided with a visit by National Unity and Social Well-being Minister P. Waythamoorthy. Warmly greeted by an entourage that danced to music played, he was then led to the main hall to meet with the head monk and offered prayers. The senator then spent time listening to feedback and requests from this community.
The last day of the festival, called Ching Pred, is held on the 15th day of the 10th month of the lunar calendar. After prayers, the monks place all the food and utensils offered by the devotees at a pavilion called Sala Pred for the ancestors to “savour”. Leftover food is laid on a table and, at the end of the same table, a mountain of sweet snacks is placed, free for all to share in. Devotees will try to snatch the leftover food as it is believed that whoever partakes in them will be blessed with good fortune. – September 26, 2018.
Members of the Siamese community in Kampung Lampam, Pendang, in Kedah donating food during the Sard Duen Sib Festival, or Tenth Lunar Month Festival. – The Malaysian Insight pic by David ST Loh, September 26, 2018.Women of the Siamese community in Kampung Lampam donating rice during Sard Duen Sib Festival. – The Malaysian Insight pic by David ST Loh, September 25, 2018.Devotees being led in prayer by monks during the festival. – The Malaysian Insight pic by David ST Loh, September 26, 2018.A variety of dishes donated by members of the Siamese community. – The Malaysian Insight pic by David ST Loh, September 26, 2018.It's a full house during the Tenth Lunar Month Festival feast in Kampung Lampam. – The Malaysian Insight pic by David ST Loh, September 26, 2018.A child taking in the activities of the day as her grandmother watches over her in Kampung Lampam, Pendang. – The Malaysian Insight pic by David ST Loh, September 26, 2018.Members of the minority Siamese community of Pendang, Kedah, gathering for the Sard Duen Sib Festival. – The Malaysian Insight pic by David ST Loh, September 26, 2018.A dragon statue stands guard over the entrance of Wat Lampam temple at Kampung Lampam, Pendang, in Kedah. – The Malaysian Insight pic by David ST Loh, September 26, 2018.A woman gets a helping hand at Wat Lampam. – The Malaysian Insight pic by David ST Loh, September 26, 2018.National Unity and Social Well-being Minister P. Waythamoorthy offering prayers at Wat Lampam. – The Malaysian Insight pic by David ST Loh, September 26, 2018.Members of the Siamese minority community awaiting the arrival of Senator P. Waythamoorthy at Wat Lampam, Pendang. – The Malaysian Insight pic by David ST Loh, September 26, 2018.Dishes stacked upon dishes during the Sard Duen Sib Festival's feast. – The Malaysian Insight pic by David ST Loh, September 26, 2018.Food left for the ancestors' spirits at Wat Lampam by members of the Siamese community in Kampung Lampam. – The Malaysian Insight pic by David ST Loh, September 26, 2018.
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