GEORGE Town's Streets of Harmony which straddles Lebuh Farquhar and Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling (formerly known as Pitt Street) is home to magnificent and heritage-rich houses of worship.
The harmonious coexistence of the various religions and cultures can be enjoyed by walking from the Church of the Assumption, St George's Church, Goddess of Mercy Temple, Sri Mariamman Temple and ending at the Kapitan Keling Mosque.
The architecture and (some untold) stories behind these structures are testament to good and sound craftsmanship, cultural identities, religious tolerance and how unity has been formed in the name of harmony.
These buildings make good fodder for social media posts these days, as do the stunning lights at the Kek Lok Si Temple in Air Itam.
The heartwarming sight from this weekend as we were approaching the Lunar New Year celebrations, was how Malaysians of all creeds and races have made their way to the Kek Lok Si Temple, in search of that perfect selfie, wefie and Kodak moment of the lit-up temple, to showcase to all their followers on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and such.
This comes on the heels of last year, when the 131 year-old temple had erred on the side of caution due to the pandemic, and broadcasted its lighting ceremony online as its doors were closed to the public.
Even on the eve of Chinese New Year yesterday when most Chinese were either reuniting over a meal with their loved ones or performing prayers, the streets of George Town were not bereft of people.
The non-Chinese were out to either take in the tourist sights along the Streets of Harmony, enjoy a good meal or shop in the nearby Little India.
The fact that there seemed to be no hang-ups about posing in front of the various houses of worship was so refreshing and spelt a sense of hope for us as Malaysians.
Also to note was in the Klang Valley, where Chinese Muslim eateries saw non-Chinese patrons dressed in red and enjoying a festive meal.
As cities like George Town continue to welcome Malaysian tourists to its houses of worship and its surrounds, we hope that more understanding, sensitivity and respect will dispel selective tolerance among us.
Gong Xi Fa Cai and Happy Lunar New Year!
