Wat Pinbang Onn
Jalan Masjid Negeri, George Town

Wat Pinbang-Onn is a small Thai Buddhist temple along Green Lane (Jalan Masjid Negeri) in Penang. Actually there are two temples sharing this name, the Inner Sanctuary Temple at 355 Jalan Masjid Negeri, and the Outer Sanctuary Temple, at 379 Jalan Masjid Negeri.

Wat Pinbang-Onn is the place of worship for the small community of Malaysians of Thai descent. Many of these come from southern Thailand. Wat Pinbang-Onn is the only temple that observes a Thai ceremony called Soong Prit. This ceremony is held to bid farewell to departed souls, and is a way for the devotees to show filial piety to their deceased parents and ancestors.

In this ceremony, the departed souls are invited back on the 15th day of the 10th moon of the Thai calendar. Chariots made of food are prepared for the ceremony. These are offered to the departed souls along with prayers that they rest in peace. Along with the Thais, some Chinese have also observed Soong Prit because they believe that this form of ancestral worship will bring them merit.

As I am not a Buddhist, I am documenting the Soong Prit of Wat Pinbang-Onn for Penang Travel Tips and AsiaExplorers more as a cultural experience.

Getting there

If you are coming from George Town and using public transport, Rapid Penang buses U206 and 304 pass the vicinity (Check the Rapid Penang Bus Route).

Visiting Penang

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