Children taking part in arts and crafts at the Grand Setrap and Dzamabala, KL & Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall, January 30
The Grand Setrap and Dzambala Puja, held at the KL & Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall, saw a magical and enchanting display of Himalayan culture. Hosted by Kechara House Buddhist Association Malaysia (KH), the puja, or grand prayer session, offered visitors a special chance to experience and learn this ancient culture with a captivating weekend of lights, exotic sculptures, family activities, and delectable vegetarian food provided by Kechara Oasis.
The two-day event was designed to help clear obstacles and improve luck, wealth and prosperity for the coming New Year. This year’s session was particularly beneficial as Feng Shui experts have predicted that 2010, the year of the brave and flamboyant Yang Metal Tiger, will be especially fierce; bringing conflict between people, nations, as well as natural and man-made disasters.
A beautiful display of lights at the Grand Setrap and Dzambala Puja
The highly anticipated puja, themed “The Garden of Wealth and Protection” saw some 1,500 visitors enthralled with the transformation of the KL & Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall into a magnificent display of rich Himalayan culture and heritage. Designed by KH Member and renowned celebrity designer, Bill Keith, the Grand Setrap and Dzambala Puja took visitors through a mystical journey full of lights and exquisite Himalayan artefacts – such as rare handmade statues, beautiful wealth vases, and stunning artwork. KH members also wore traditional and exotic Tibetan consumes, or chubas, while greeting over 2,000 guests.
“The idea behind the design of the Grand Setrap and Dzambala Puja was definitely inspired by KH’s Tibetan lineage,” said Bill Keith. “The puja actually originates from a 1,000 year old sacred practice, and is definitely a cultural event not to be missed.”
A young boy receiving a gift at the Grand Setrap and Dzambala Puja
Featuring an extensive array of exhibitions from Kechara Paradise’s Dharma and meditation gifts to Himalayan arts, crafts and books for guests to shop or simply browse through, the puja also featured a line-up of family oriented activities, such as children’s drawing and singing performances. All 12 of KH’s departments were involved in the puja, from Kechara Soup Kitchen, which feeds the homeless and needy; Kechara Saraswati Arts, where you can be hands-on and learn the various techniques used in Himalayan arts; to Kechara Oasis, a new age vegetarian restaurant that provided food for this event.
“Our very first Grand Setrap Puja took over 18 hours on site to make the event as auspicious and grand as possible,” said Paul Yap, liaison and organizing chairperson of the Grand Setrap and Dzambala Puja. “However, this year’s puja was even more spectacular than our first puja held in 2008.”
This year’s Grand Setrap Puja also showcased the huge Dzambala waterfall to the public to usher in the Year of the Tiger for roaring success!
The Puja was a ROARING success!