AP photos show fire walking and incense burning at Malaysia's Nine Emperor Gods Festival
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
AP photographers documented devotees, spirit mediums and temple rituals across Malaysia during the Nine Emperor Gods Festival.
The photo report captures fire walking, cheek piercing and night processions over five days.
Background
The Nine Emperor Gods Festival is a Taoist observance, and AP (Associated Press, a global news agency) published a photo report on its celebrations in Malaysia. Photographer Vincent Thian and journalist-photographer Anton L. Delgado are credited on the report, which shows devotees, spirit mediums and temple rituals in Kuala Pilah, Ampang, Jinjang and Penang island.
How it unfolded
- Oct 14, 2026A spirit medium walks through a flaming gateway during a purification procession at Si Thian Kong Temple in Kuala Pilah, and devotees follow an ornate ceremonial canopy in a night procession there.
- Oct 15, 2026A devotee breathes fire through a hoop at Bei Tian Gong Temple in Jinjang, Kuala Lumpur.
- Oct 16, 2026Devotees offer incense and prayers at the Nine Emperor Gods Temple in Ampang, Selangor, where a worker arranges giant incense sticks amid thick smoke and actors perform an opera show.
- Oct 17, 2026Devotees carry a Taoist sedan chair over burning charcoal and light giant Taoist joss sticks in Kuala Pilah.
- Oct 18, 2026On the festival's final day on Penang island, a spirit medium with metal rods piercing her cheeks takes part in a procession, attendants assist as her cheek is pierced, and devotees carry an illuminated sedan chair.
- Oct 21, 2026AP publishes photos showing fire walking and incense burning at the festival.