MALAYSIANS BLOW AT GIANT JOSS STICKS DURING CHINESE HUNGRY GHOST FESTIVAL IN MALACCA, 2003-08-12 (photo)

Young Malaysians blow at giant joss sticks during the Chinese Hungry Ghost Festival in Bachang town in the southern state of Malacca on August 12, 2003. During the festival, prayers are offered to the dead and offerings of food and paper-made model such as tv, refrigerators, and sport cars, are burnt to appease the wandering spirits. It is believed that the gates of Hell are opened during the month and the dead ancestors return to visit their relatives. The Hungry Ghost Festival is celebrated every year during the seventh month of the Chinese lunar calendar. Picture taken 12, 2003. REUTERS/Bazuki Muhammad BM/DL