Mahajaya Kicks Off Chinese New Year Celebration with a Traditional Lion Dance Performance
Wisma Mahajaya and Spark Mall usher in the Year of the Wood Snake with festive energy, unity, and good fortune
3 February 2025 – Kuala Lumpur: Mahajaya ushered in the Chinese New Year with a vibrant and auspicious lion dance performance at its Wisma Mahajaya headquarters and neighbouring Spark Mall in Desa Petaling. The event offered a vibrant start to the Chinese New Year that featured a traditional Lion Dance performance, firecrackers, and symbolic rituals to usher in prosperity, joy, and unity for the year ahead.
Symbolic New Beginning and The Lion Dance Kick-off
The day began at 9.00 am, with staff gathering in the office to await the arrival of the company’s top management.
By 11.00 am, the entire team assembled in front of Wisma Mahajaya for a group photo, setting the stage for the main event – the Lion Dance. “We wanted to start the year with energy and excitement, so what better way than a lion dance to bring good fortune to all of us,” said Phang Li Yi, the Office Manager, sharing her excitement. “This is a special occasion for our staff, and we hope the festivities help bring prosperity for the year ahead.”
As the lion dance began, vibrant colours filled the air, accompanied by the deafening sound of firecrackers that symbolised the banishment of evil spirits and the welcoming of good fortune. A god of prosperity mascot, donned in elaborate traditional attire, also participated, spreading cheer among the onlookers.
A Symbolic Performance Across the Office
Following the outdoor performance, the lion dance troupe entered the Wisma Mahajaya building, starting on the 6th floor and moving down to each level. The dance symbolises inviting good fortune into every corner of the building.
This ritual, called cai qing or plucking the greens, involves the lion eating auspicious items like mandarin oranges, symbolising wealth and good fortune. More than just a cultural performance, the lion is a symbol of strength and power, and it’s believed that its presence brings prosperity and success to the company for the year ahead while driving away bad luck.
A Grand Finale at Spark Mall
After completing its rounds in the office building, the lion dance troupe proceeded to Spark Mall, another commercial property owned and managed by Mahajaya. They continued their performance there, accompanied by firecrackers, before presenting fruit offerings to the top management. The fruit offerings- bananas, pineapples, pomelos, lettuces, and oranges—are traditional symbols of good fortune, wealth, and health.
“This is a wonderful way to celebrate and remind ourselves of the importance of unity and culture,” added Li Yi. “It’s not just about the performance; it’s about the spirit of togetherness that drives us towards a successful year.”
With the last firecracker fading, the event concluded, leaving everyone in high spirits and ready to embrace the promises of the Year of the Wood-Snake. The lion dance, rich in symbolism and steeped in tradition, certainly set the tone for an auspicious year ahead at Mahajaya.
