Rainy roadside.

Pics from my teacher's place.

Li Ya Pek made an appearance via a medium from an affiliate sintua.

Sendoff for the dark monarch.

Preparing the Ship of Salvation, a representation of the craft that Guan Yin sails into Hell to liberate those who have repented.

This ship is burnt as a gesture of hope that the hungry ghosts will someday be saved.

Bon voyage.

Welcome to the black parade.

The Indian medium is channeling a Muni - a Hindu guardian deity and subduer of evil spirits.

He often hangs out with Tua Li Ya Pek given that they have similar job scopes.

Final frolics.

The King of Ghosts hosts a party for his soldiers.

Farewell, phantom lord.

A well deserved reward.

Starshine and midnight flow.

The ship is lighter than one might think; it's largely wood and paper, after all.

'Phantom Lord' is another way of addressing the King of Ghosts.

Not all temples and sintuas are sending him off on the same day; it should ideally be done on the last day of the Hungry Ghost Festival, but obviously not everyone is free to do so on that day due to work commitments, family commitments, etc.

Burnt out ends of smoky days... the stale cold smell of morning.

Conclusion mass.

For a few dollars more.

Sending off the City God.

Grand finale.

Back through the gates.

Sweet slumber.

It's over, folks.

The hungry ghosts have had their reprieve.

The gates of hell have shut and the festivities have come to a close.

Be not sad that it is over, however; smile because it happened.

Let us raise a toast to absent friends, old gods and the season of mists.

And may each and every one of us give the Reaper his due.

See you all again next year...

It is the 15th day of the 8th lunar month - happy Mid-Autumn Festival, everyone.

And happy birthday to Duke Ma the celestial warlord.