JENJAROM: The zodiac-themed Chinese New Year lantern festival at Dong Zen Temple based on the Legend of the White Snake this year is open to the public now.

The six-storey lantern measuring 22 metres received endorsement from the Malaysian Book of Records as the tallest snake-theme pagoda lantern for 2025.

In conjunction with the Year of the Snake, the lantern festival at Dong Zen Temple features the Legend of the White Snake which practised the three good acts of goodness – do good deeds, speak good words– and think good thoughts.

Venerable Jue Cheng, the Chief Abbess of Dong Zen Temple and the Abbess of Fo Guang Shan for Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia, said the lantern festival was based on the Legend of the White Snake, who in the legend was a wife separated from her husband.

The wife, while in search of her husband, used her power to flood a temple and was consequently punished by a Buddhist master to be confined in a pagoda.

She was later released for practising good deeds preached in Buddhism.

Ven Jue Cheng said the story of White Snake inspires all to practise good deeds.

“To improve life, one should practise good deeds. The Chinese New Year will offer new direction and hope for all,” she said.

Besides colourful and creative lanterns, a series of activities – cultural performances, display of Buddhist relics and blessing sessions are organised by the temple during Chinese New Year.

Another highlight of the event is a state-level Chinese New Year celebration held by the Selangor state government at Dong Zen Temple on 8 February.

Members of the public are invited to celebrate the Year of the Snake at Dong Zen Temple from 10 am to 10 pm starting from January 25 to February 12.