In a hidden nook along the shophouses on Jalan Tun H S Lee in Kuala Lumpur is a place of solace for generations of Kuala Lumpur residents.
Many city folk aren’t aware of the existence of this place which despite being at the heart of the older part of Kuala Lumpur, is not visible, being hidden from sight by a gate parallel to the shop lots. The Sin Sze Si Ya temple, the oldest Chinese temple in the city, and its beautiful architecture only comes into view when you walk through the gate and turn a corner.
Read more about this Temple: https://www.scoop.my/news/156397/sin-sze-si-ya-temple-pioneers-of-kuala-lumpur-museum-a-journey-through-history/
The multi-culturalism in my country may be something I take for granted, but travelling to places far and wide has me appreciate the variety and diversity of the multi-ethnic, multi-cultural and multi-religious communities in my home, and what a blessing it has been to be a part of this fabric. There is the extra long list of public holidays, unlimited food choices and endless cultural and religious festivities to boot.
It has always been a privilege to witnessing and hear the stories behind cultural celebrations, and the Sin Sze Si Ya temple has its own unique traditions including the act of crawling under its ornate altar table to dispel bad luck from the past as one enters into the new year (video of Chinese New Year 2024 celebrations at the Sin Sze Si Ya temple in Kuala Lumpur below).
Maria Dass the World 