The Festival of the Hungry is both a religious and Chinese cultural festival

The Chinese belief that the gates of hell will open to release dead souls to roam the world of the living for on the 7th month of the Chinese lunar calendar (month of August/September).  During this period, sometime on 14th and 15th day of this month, devotees will prepare sumptuous food to serve to these dead souls.  Devotees will ‘invite’ their dead relatives for a meal to the home by offering food and burning joss sticks, ‘hell’ money, paper clothes and other material things made of paper. Many temples will hold prayer ceremonies throughout the month-long Hungry Ghost Festival (Phor Thor) to appease the spirits.

The 7th month of the lunar calender is considered not a good month. Celebrations such as weddings are usually not held during this month by the Chinese.

In Penang, many Chinese will flock to pray at temples and makshift stage are set up at several areas, near temples (nationwide where the Chinese population concentrate). Opera or singing stage shows are held at night at these places.