IPOH, Oct. 26 -- The familiar haze of incense once again fills the air around Tow Boh Keong Temple here as devotees light joss sticks and burn incense in reverence.

Thesmoke, mingling with the sound of prayers and chants, heralds the arrival of one of Taoism's most sacred annual celebrations - the Nine Emperor Gods Festival.

Tens of thousands of devotees and visitors are expected to throng the temple throughout the nine-day celebration held from October 20 to 29, which has become a defining part of Ipoh's cultural landscape.

Temple president Tan Mung Lee, 93, said the tradition was brought to Ipoh by migrants from Phuket, Thailand, in the early 20th century.

"Tow Boh Keong (Kow Ong Yeah Temple) Ipoh has been celebrating this festival ...