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Seafaring Malaysian tribes usher in lunar new year with celebrations

A Malaysian indigenous Mah Meri tribesman performs the 'Main Jo-oh' dance during the Puja Pantai ritual, a thanksgiving ritual praying to the spirits of the seas, in Pulau Carey on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur on February 1, 2017. The Mah Meri tribe, believed to be descendants of seafaring people, celebrate their new year according to the lunar calendar by making offerings to the sea. (Manan VATSYAYANA / AFP)

Updated on: Feb 01, 2017 6:59 PM IST

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A Malaysian indigenous Mah Meri tribesman performs the 'Main Jo-oh' dance during the Puja Pantai ritual, a thanksgiving ritual praying to the spirits of the seas, in Pulau Carey on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur on February 1, 2017. The Mah Meri tribe, believed to be descendants of seafaring people, celebrate their new year according to the lunar calendar by making offerings to the sea. (Manan VATSYAYANA / AFP)

Updated on Feb 01, 2017 6:59 PM

A Malaysian indigenous Mah Meri tribesman performs the 'Main Jo-oh' dance during the Puja Pantai ritual, a thanksgiving ritual praying to the spirits of the seas, in Pulau Carey on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur on February 1, 2017. The Mah Meri tribe, believed to be descendants of seafaring people, celebrate their new year according to the lunar calendar by making offerings to the sea. (Manan VATSYAYANA / AFP)

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The Puja Pantai Celebration is an annual ritual of the Malaysian Mah Meri tribe to appease the spirits of the sea. They are the descendants of seafarers who lived through fishing and trading. (Manan VATSYAYANA / AFP)

Updated on Feb 01, 2017 6:59 PM

The Puja Pantai Celebration is an annual ritual of the Malaysian Mah Meri tribe to appease the spirits of the sea. They are the descendants of seafarers who lived through fishing and trading. (Manan VATSYAYANA / AFP)

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Members of the Malaysian indigenous Mah Meri community walk to the sea during the Puja Pantai ritual, a thanksgiving ritual praying to the spirits of the seas, in Pulau Carey on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur on February 1, 2017. (Manan VATSYAYANA / AFP)

Updated on Feb 01, 2017 6:59 PM

Members of the Malaysian indigenous Mah Meri community walk to the sea during the Puja Pantai ritual, a thanksgiving ritual praying to the spirits of the seas, in Pulau Carey on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur on February 1, 2017. (Manan VATSYAYANA / AFP)

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A Malaysian indigenous Mah Meri tribalwoman (C) ties her necklace before the start of the "Puja Pantai" ritual, a thanksgiving ritual praying to the spirits of the seas, in Pulau Carey on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur on February 1, 2017. (Manan VATSYAYANA / AFP)

Updated on Feb 01, 2017 6:59 PM

A Malaysian indigenous Mah Meri tribalwoman (C) ties her necklace before the start of the "Puja Pantai" ritual, a thanksgiving ritual praying to the spirits of the seas, in Pulau Carey on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur on February 1, 2017. (Manan VATSYAYANA / AFP)

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A Malaysian indigenous Mah Meri tribal shaman (left) performs rituals during the "Puja Pantai" event, a thanksgiving ritual praying to the spirits of the seas, in Pulau Carey on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur on February 1, 2017. (Manan VATSYAYANA / AFP)

Updated on Feb 01, 2017 6:59 PM

A Malaysian indigenous Mah Meri tribal shaman (left) performs rituals during the "Puja Pantai" event, a thanksgiving ritual praying to the spirits of the seas, in Pulau Carey on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur on February 1, 2017. (Manan VATSYAYANA / AFP)

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A Malaysian indigenous Mah Meri tribesman wears a traditionally crafted mask during the Puja Pantai ritual, a thanksgiving ritual praying to the spirits of the seas, in Pulau Carey on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur on February 1, 2017. (Manan VATSYAYANA / AFP)

Updated on Feb 01, 2017 6:59 PM

A Malaysian indigenous Mah Meri tribesman wears a traditionally crafted mask during the Puja Pantai ritual, a thanksgiving ritual praying to the spirits of the seas, in Pulau Carey on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur on February 1, 2017. (Manan VATSYAYANA / AFP)

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A Malaysian indigenous Mah Meri tribeswoman (centre) applies makeup on a girl as they prepare for the Puja Pantai ritual, a thanksgiving ritual praying to the spirits of the seas, in Pulau Carey on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur on February 1, 2017. (Manan VATSYAYANA / AFP)

Updated on Feb 01, 2017 6:59 PM

A Malaysian indigenous Mah Meri tribeswoman (centre) applies makeup on a girl as they prepare for the Puja Pantai ritual, a thanksgiving ritual praying to the spirits of the seas, in Pulau Carey on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur on February 1, 2017. (Manan VATSYAYANA / AFP)

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Members of the Malaysian indigenous Mah Meri community walk to the sea during the Puja Pantai ritual, a thanksgiving ritual praying to the spirits of the seas, in Pulau Carey on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur on February 1, 2017 (Manan VATSYAYANA / AFP)

Updated on Feb 01, 2017 6:59 PM

Members of the Malaysian indigenous Mah Meri community walk to the sea during the Puja Pantai ritual, a thanksgiving ritual praying to the spirits of the seas, in Pulau Carey on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur on February 1, 2017 (Manan VATSYAYANA / AFP)

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Malaysian indigenous Mah Meri tribeswomen wait for the start of the Puja Pantai ritual, a thanksgiving ritual praying to the spirits of the seas, in Pulau Carey on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur on February 1, 2017. (/ Manan VATSYAYANA / AFP)

Updated on Feb 01, 2017 6:59 PM

Malaysian indigenous Mah Meri tribeswomen wait for the start of the Puja Pantai ritual, a thanksgiving ritual praying to the spirits of the seas, in Pulau Carey on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur on February 1, 2017. (/ Manan VATSYAYANA / AFP)

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A Malaysian indigenous Mah Meri tribal shaman returns after offering prayers during the Puja Pantai ritual, a thanksgiving ritual praying to the spirits of the seas, in Pulau Carey on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur on February 1, 2017. (/ Manan VATSYAYANA / AFP)

Updated on Feb 01, 2017 6:59 PM

A Malaysian indigenous Mah Meri tribal shaman returns after offering prayers during the Puja Pantai ritual, a thanksgiving ritual praying to the spirits of the seas, in Pulau Carey on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur on February 1, 2017. (/ Manan VATSYAYANA / AFP)

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