KUALA LUMPUR, May 31 (Bernama) — In a spirit of peace and gratitude, Wesak Day was celebrated across the country today, reflecting the strong unity of Malaysia’s multi-racial and multi-religious society.
In PERAK, Ipoh’s Wat Sribunya Manggarama chairman Datuk Ching Thoo anticipates that more than 5,000 devotees to visit the temple in conjunction with Wesak Day celebrations.
He said the celebrations, which fall on a weekend, offer devotees a timely opportunity to attend religious ceremonies and activities organised at the temple.
“Devotees from Ipoh and Tambun are among the largest groups coming to the temple to perform religious rites and commemorate important events in the life of Buddhism’s founder, Gautama Buddha,” he told Bernama when met at the temple today.
He said Wesak Day is observed to commemorate three significant events in the life of Gautama Buddha, namely his birth, enlightenment and passing.
In SARAWAK, around 3,000 Buddhists gathered at the Sarawak Buddhist Association temple in Kuching for a prayer ceremony, which was also attended by Deputy Premier and Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.
In PENANG, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said Wesak Day is more than a religious celebration, as it also carries a universal message of compassion, wisdom, moderation and harmony in society.
A Bernama check found that the celebrations in the state were held in a simple yet lively atmosphere, with thousands of Buddhists visiting major temples to take part in various religious ceremonies.
Among the main focal points were Wat Chaiya Mangalaram in Lorong Burma, Wat Buppharam in Jalan Perak and Kek Lok Si in Air Itam, which began receiving devotees as early as 8am to take part in religious observances.
A festive atmosphere was also evident at the Penang Lee Sih Chong Soo (Lee Kongsi) building on Jalan Burma, where devotees of all ages came with their families to light lotus-shaped candles and lamps, offer flowers and take part in the bathing ceremony of the Buddha statue, one of the main highlights of Wesak Day celebrations.
In PERLIS, Wesak Day celebrations in Kangar organised by the Perlis Buddhist Society began as early as 8 am, with about 800 devotees attending as of 10.30 am to take part in religious ceremonies.
Perlis Buddhist Society president Dr Tan Chan Sin said attendance is expected to increase later in the evening, while hoping the celebration will continue to further enhance harmony within the community.
He said the celebrations also included the provision of vegetarian meals for visitors.
In PAHANG, Pahang Buddhist Society secretary Wong Sien Biang said about 6,000 Buddhists from within and outside Kuantan are expected to attend the celebrations at Indera Mahkota 8.
“From our observations today, a majority of the visitors were tourists as many were unfamiliar to us. I’d say around 60 per cent were tourists and 40 per cent locals,” he said.
Wong said among the key ceremonies held during the Wesak Day celebration were devotional chanting and the Bathing the Little Buddha ceremony.
In KELANTAN, Wesak Day at Wat Machimaram, Tumpat, was celebrated in a lively atmosphere, with nearly 1,000 Buddhists and Siamese from within and outside the state in attendance.
Kelantan State Siamese Women’s Association chairman KC Ngiam Eh Kuan said the celebration has continued to receive strong support every year.
“Every year, we have a lively celebration, and the Siamese community in Kelantan eagerly looks forward to Wesak Day. Tonight, a religious ceremony will be held starting at 8.30 pm,” she said.
In SELANGOR, a Bernama check at the Fo Guang Shan Dong Zen Temple in Jenjarom, Kuala Langat, found that thousands of devotees were present to take part in various spiritual and cultural activities in conjunction with Wesak Day celebrations.
Hiu Li Wei said she was excited to participate in the bathing ceremony of the baby Buddha statue, which symbolises self-purification and commemorates the birth of the Buddha.
“This ceremony brings me peace and reminds me to cleanse my mind of impurities such as hatred and ignorance,” she said.
Tam Choi Man, 40, said this year’s celebration felt more meaningful, as the peaceful, flower-decorated temple offered a deep spiritual experience.
“Besides taking part in the bathing ceremony of the Buddha statue, I also spent time in meditation and listened to sutra recitations in the main hall,” she said.
–BERNAMA