Yulan Ceremony Schedule
Day One
Chanting scriptures and raising the divine banner, respectfully venerating Kṣitigarbha Bodhisattva to guide and deliver the wandering souls of the ten directions. (6:00 pm)
Chanting scriptures and presenting memorial petitions, and offering to Heaven and Earth to universally form lotus platforms to inaugurate the Yulan Blessing Rite. (7:00 pm)
Chanting scriptures for the transcendence of virtuous predecessors, and inviting karmic creditors and infant spirits to partake of the Dharma food. (8:00 pm)
Chanting and paying homage to Great Deity Ya (Da Shi Ye), sending off on the Mercy Ferry Ship. (9:00 pm)
Day Two
Chanting and venerating Kṣitigarbha Bodhisattva, offering food to the homeless souls of the ten directions. (6:00 pm)
Chanting and venerating Great Deity Ya, with the Golden Boy presenting longevity wine and the Jade Maiden offering golden lotuses. (8:00 pm)
Chanting scriptures for the universal salvation of virtuous predecessors, karmic creditors, and infant spirits. (9:00 pm)
Chanting to the City God, guiding the homeless souls of the ten directions to be freed from suffering. (10:00 pm)
Day Three (5:00 pm)
Chanting to receive and guide the virtuous predecessors and karmic creditors’ infant spirits onto the Mercy Ferry Ship.
Chanting to Kṣitigarbha Bodhisattva, guiding the homeless souls of the ten directions. (6:00 pm)
Chanting and venerating Great Deity Ya, universally delivering wandering souls. (7:30 pm)
Devotees invite Great Deity Ya, the immortals return their spirits.
Guiding the virtuous predecessors, karmic creditors, and infant spirits to ascend and transform, attaining liberation in the Western Paradise. (9:00 pm)
Sacred Rituals of the Yulan Festival
Step into the heart of the celebration and discover the meaning behind every prayer, offering, and symbolic act.
Opening the Gates
The festival begins with a formal Kai Tan Qi Gu (开坛启鼓) — “Opening the Altar and Striking the Drum.” This act announces to the deities, spirits, and community that the sacred period has begun. It also symbolically opens the way for the underworld’s emissaries to enter under divine order.
Welcoming the Divine Guests
Before any offerings are made, deities such as Da Shi Ye, Tua Di Ya Pek, and Tudigong are formally invited through chanting, incense, and processions. This ensures the spiritual hosts are present to oversee and bless the festival.
Feeding the Living and the Departed
Offerings are made to both ancestors and the Hao Xiong Di (“Good Brothers” – wandering spirits). Food, incense, and symbolic paper goods like Gold & Silver Treasury (金银库), Rebirth Money (往生钱), and the Five Grains (五谷) are prepared. Da Shi Ye ensures fair distribution, preventing disputes among the spirits. “南无分衣施食阿弥陀佛” is scripted on the left hand’s flag or flags behind his back, means giving away food and clothing, Namas Amitabha. Some of the fellow followers will invite their beloved passed loved ones to feast
Sending Wealth to the Afterlife
Burning joss paper is the bridge between realms. The smoke carries these symbolic goods — from currency to entire “treasuries” — to ancestors and spirits, ensuring they have comfort and status in the afterlife.
Entertaining the Deities and Spirits
Performances like Getai (歌台) and Chinese opera (酬神戏) are staged to honour the spiritual guests. The front row remains empty — reserved for the spirits.
Returning the King to the Spirit Realm
On the final night, Da Shi Ye is respectfully sent back to the spiritual realm through the ceremonial burning of his effigy. This act closes the festival, seals the gates of the underworld, and ensures blessings remain in the community.
Supporting the Festival Through Your Offerings
Incense, candles, joss paper, and other sacred offerings can be purchased directly at our on-site counter. Every purchase directly supports the operational costs of the Yulan Festival. After the event, any remaining funds will be donated to local schools to benefit our children’s education. By purchasing from the official counter, you not only honour the spirits but also give back to the community.
Ritual Etiquette
Dress modestly when near the altar.
Avoid stepping over offerings.
Do not touch deity statues or effigies.
Keep a respectful silence during chanting.
