KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 25 ― There is an indigenous tribe called the Mah Meri, who lives on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia.

Mah Meri, which means bersisir, live close to the sea and are often fishermen.

One of the rituals still practised by the tribe is Puja Pantai (offering to the sea). It is the last major ceremony that they observe.

The tribe starts their journey to the beach. ― Picture by Shafwan Zaidon
The tribe starts their journey to the beach. ― Picture by Shafwan Zaidon

According to their beliefs, a tongkang (ship) was caught in a big storm off the coast of Carey Island. The Mah Meri believe it was saved by a spirit called Moyang Getah.

The ritual takes place on the beach near the mahligai (mansion) during low tide. Held at Carey Island, the ritual starts by invoking the spirits of the ancestors by a Mah Meri shaman in Kampung Judah.

The shaman, along with villagers and musicians then march three kilometres towards the beach.

The shaman offers prayers to the spirits. ― Picture by Shafwan Zaidon
The shaman offers prayers to the spirits. ― Picture by Shafwan Zaidon

Puja Pantai usually falls after Chinese New Year, when the Mah Meri believe the door to the supernatural world is open.

The tribe, who are animists, believes the spirits can then connect with the living. Through the years, the ritual has attracted not only tourists but photographers who gather on the beach to take shots of the unique ritual.