Hungry Ghost Festival Guide
Hungry Ghost Festival observed on the 15th day of the seventh lunar month is when the gates of hell open granting passage to ghosts and spirits to traverse the human realm and partake in offerings.
Unlike Qingming (Tomb Sweeping) this holiday is centered around honoring the spirits that might have not had a proper bural, funeral, and are left to “wonder.” This holiday gives them a chance to partake in earthly conforts including entertainment and for the living to honor them.
SOURCES: SCMP, Sixth Tone,Christian DuComb
Hungry Ghost Traditions & Customs
Present fruits, meats, rice, tea, or wine to feed spirits
Floating Lotus Lanterns to help guide the spirits back to the underworld
Families visit graves, clean tombstones, and make offerings to honor ancestors
Burning Joss Paper offerings & temporary alters placed outside for the wandering spirits
Attend traditional Chinese Opera performances! We are hosting one this Saturday (08/30/2025)!
SOURCES: Britannica, Asian Language School
Where to Shop for Hungry Ghost Festival in Manhattan Chinatown:
Fook On Sing
103 Mosco Street
Chinese funeral supplies store featuring
elaborate joss paper goods
Grand Tea & Imports
298 Grand Street
Specializing in Chinese spiritual goods & imported teas
New Mee Lun Co
61A Bayard St
General Chinese religious goods store carrying joss paper, candles, incenses, and more
New Kam Man
200 Canal Street
Multilevel grocery store offering teas, traditional Chinese snacks, gift sets, housewares, and more
G&J Florist
91 Elizabeth St
Mom-and-pop run florist and produce shop offering flowers, plants, and farm-fresh goods
Local Fruit Stands
Mulberry Street
Mulberry Street is lined with fruit stands with Asian and classic picks
