Pelita Raya Festival Turns Taman Jubli Emas Into Sea Of Lights

ALOR SETAR, March 14 (Bernama) -- The night at Taman Jubli Emas here has been transformed into a mesmerising sea of lights as thousands of oil lamps illuminate the grounds for the Pelita Raya 2026 Festival.

The festival, said to be the largest of its kind in Malaysia, runs from March 10 to 29 and features replicas inspired by Malay and Kedah heritage, built using about 6,000 metal oil lamps. The displays revive the nostalgic tradition of malam tujuh likur ahead of the arrival of Syawal.

Organiser Azhani Osman said about 1,000 bamboo oil lamps have also been installed around the festival grounds to create an authentic village atmosphere and attract both locals and visitors from outside the state.

“Visitors can view 11 traditional replicas created using oil lamps, including the Zahir Mosque, Alor Setar Tower, a keris and an aeroplane.

“I was inspired to organise the festival in Kedah because I am from Yan, and to my knowledge such a festival has never been held in the state before,” he told Bernama today.

Azhani said organising the event has not been without challenges, particularly weather conditions such as strong winds and rain that can extinguish the lamps.

However, he said a team of 20 workers ensures the lamps are relit whenever they go out, although lighting all of them takes nearly two hours.

He added that the organiser also bears the cost of between 300 and 600 litres of diesel daily to ensure the lamps remain lit throughout the festival.

The event also features an attempt to create a new entry in the Malaysia Book of Records (MBR) through the construction of a giant oil lamp measuring 20 metres wide, 15 metres high and 65 metres in circumference, which is expected to be completed by Monday.

The structure is being built using about five tonnes of iron and 286 aluminium composite panels (ACP), and is expected to become the festival’s main attraction.

The giant lamp is scheduled to be launched next Tuesday, with the ceremony expected to include the presentation of recognition from the MBR.

Following this, Azhani said he plans to submit an application to the Guinness World Records in an effort to surpass the current record held by Canada.

Open daily from 7.30 pm to midnight, the festival also features attractions such as floral light displays, fire performances, children’s games and an oil lamp museum.

Admission tickets are priced at RM10 for adults and RM5 for children, and visitors will also have a chance to participate in a lucky draw offering a BMW 3 Series as the grand prize.

-- BERNAMA