KLANG, Jan 11 (Sin Chew Daily) — Dong Zen Temple in Jenjarom has spent one whole year preparing for the annual lantern festival 2021, but unfortunately the festival may have to be converted to a virtual event due to COVID-19 outbreak.

Ven Jue Cheng, the Chief Abbess of Dong Zen Temple who is also the Chief Abbess of Fo Guang Shan for Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia, said the lantern festival may not be open to the public for safety reasons.

The lantern festival may be converted to a virtual event using the virtual reality technology for members of the public to visit the festival without leaving their homes.

Ven Jue Cheng said the crowd visiting the festival is expected to be smaller due to the standard operating procedures adopted to curb the spread of COVID-19 pandemic.

The 5-acre land land behind the temple has become part of the venue for the lantern festival with cow-shaped lanterns designed by local artists.

More than 100 lanterns in the shape of ox are displayed in the temple compound in conjunction with the Year of the Ox celebration. A shepherd boy with cows is the theme for the lantern festival this year.

"Many people are curious about the hefty cost incurred for organizing the lantern festival. In fact, the lanterns are recycled each year. Many of the decorations and lanterns are recreated and redesigned," she said.

The lantern festival organized by the temple has since become a highlight during Chinese New Year celebrations in the country.

Ven Jue Cheng said the temple continued to organist the festival despite uncertainties caused by the pandemic.

"The lantern festival offers hope, peace and joy. We are willing to host the lantern festival for members of the public. During this difficult time, we learn to accept adversity," she said.

Even if the lantern festival is unable to open to the public during Chinese New Year, the temple will keep its decorations until Wesak Day or Mid-Autumn Festival.

Members of the public will still be able to visit the temple to take a tour of the lantern festival later, she said.