THE Year of the Dragon is almost upon us with shopping centres around Kuala Lumpur gearing up for Chinese New Year with magnificent displays.
The Pavilion shopping centre recently unveiled its very own “Dragon Festival” centre court bazaar.
The star attraction is a 600ft awe-inspiring dragon that greets shoppers as they enter the mall.
Roll on: The dragon dance marks the opening of the Pavilion KL Chinese New Year festivities.
“The Dragon is one of the most positive spirits of the Chinese Zodiac, signifying power, wealth and luck. As such, our aim is to create a grand and awe-inspiring experience for this Chinese New Year,” said Pavilion KL CEO Joyce Yap.
The Pavilion dragon, which took over two months to complete, is the largest centre court display in all of Malaysia and has already become a popular photography attraction.
However, the dragon is just one feature of Pavilion’s Chinese New Year extravaganza.
The month-long festivities at Pavilion include daily performances, lion and dragon dances, LED displays, dragon beard candy and calligraphy stalls as well as opportunities to dress in traditional Chinese costume.
Standing tall: The lion dance is still an important element of any CNY celebration.
Highlights include the eight lion dance and the double dragon dance which will take place at 4.30pm every Saturday and Sunday respectively.
The LED Lion Dance, taking place every Sunday at 8pm, is another not-to-be missed performance.
“The lion and dragon dances are only seen during Chinese New Year so we try to make it a special ocassion,” said Raymond Kue, executive director of Q Brothers and choreographer of the auspicious performances.
While Chinese New Year has embraced some modern elements over the years, Pavilion’s marketing director Kung Suan Ai said that many traditions continued to remain a part of the celebrations.
“We still have loud drumming, lanterns which symbolise prosperity and ang pow.
For luck and prosperity: Traditional tossing of yee sang.
“As we are catering to an urban market, the ang pow has adapted to meet consumer needs.
“Instead of money, we put coupons in the auspicious envelopes which are handed out to shoppers by the god of prosperity,” said Kung.
Chinese New Year festivities at Pavilion shopping centre in Bukit Bintang are definitely a feast for the senses.
“We bring in millions of people of all cultures, ages, religions and nationalities. As such, our role is to promote Malaysian culture and educate people who might not know too much about our country,” said Kung.
“The celebration really is for everyone and when you see everyone enjoying it you know you have done well.”
Pavilion’s centre court display will be on until Feb 6.
~News courtesy of The Star~
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