Penang Dragon Boat Festival

dragon boat view from the above

Dragon boat racing is one of Penang State Signature Event. It is among the fastest growing water sports in this region and become a very popular corporate and charitable sport among the participants. 

There have a story behind this festival where this festivals actually associated with the Rice Dumpling Festival which falls on the 5th day of the 5th month in the Chinese lunar calendar. The story begin  when the poet named Qu Yuan had jumped into the river and make all the villagers rusher in order to save him but it is too late. So, they started to throw rice dumplings into the river to feed the fish instead of Qu Yuan’s body. Dragon Boat race commemorates with their rushed efforts to save him and the Chinese also made rice dumplings every year to eat and remember Qu Yuan's patriotism and loyalty toward the country.

every teams try harder to compete to win the race

the race view with Penang bridge at the back

 But Dragon Boat Race Festivals is not only for Chinese people to participate but people around the world. Today Dragon Boat race has become an international sport with participation from Hong Kong, Singapore, Indonesia, India, Philippines, Thailand, United Arab Emirates and USA.  Many more countries are expected to join in the race participation.  The public is also are welcoming to witness the race at the beautiful Teluk Bahang Dam.