It so happened that we were there at Sembawang beach on 16/9/10 to witness the grand praying of the God, Nine Emperor last saturday.
We were there trying to catch some crabs when we saw a group of devotees started gathering all the praying stuff around 5pm. By 8pm, a small group of devotees were there and all the lights were lighted up.
It was only until around 11pm, we saw the coming of more, more devotees in groups via lorries, buses, etc.Along also came a huge dragon paper ship and the followers were trying to pull it near the seaside where the praying soon to start.
At about 11.15pm, some of the followers started to put the 'paper money' around the ship and after that came chanting of prayers over the speaker.
When it finished, it was already 11.25pm and the devotees set fire to the money papers around the ship. Devotees started to pray with joss sticks and planted over the seaside. In no time, the ship turned into a big ball of flames. Some devotees were carrying small paper boats and putting them afloat on the water.
When the ritual had ended, lights were switched off and everything returned to quietness!
It was such an memorable night and also was my first time to witness this big event!
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