Chinese New Year or the Lunar New Year is celebrated not only in China but in other parts of the world as well, especially where there is sizable Chinese population.
Malaysia is one such country which celebrates Chinese New Year in a grand manner.
In Malaysia, the Chinese New Year Celebrations take place mainy in Penang where there is a sizable Chinese population.
Throughout the Chinese New Year season, Penang comes alive with innumerable parties and parades and fireworks.
Penang’s government holds a Chinese New Year celebration on the streets of George Town, particularly down Chulia St., Armenian St., Soo Hong Lane, Ah Quee St., Acheen St., Cannon St., Kampung Kolam and Jalan Kapitan Keling.
There are many beautiful temples in Penang and all are crowded with Chinese Malaysians that come there to pray for health and prosperity in the new year. One such important temple is the Kek Lok Si Temple. For a period of 15 days from Chinese New Year’s Eve to Lantern Festival, at night millions of colorful lamps transform the whole area in a beautiful scene.
Apart from Penang, other notable Chinese New Year celebrations also take place in Kuala Lumpur (like Chinatown, Old Klang Road/Kuchai Lama and many areas in Petaling Jaya), Ipoh and Malacca.