Venerable Kai Ning (right), Penang Wesak Celebrations Committee chairman Datuk Dr Loh Hock Hun (second left) and committee vice- chairman Datuk Seri Choot Ewe Seng (left) bathing the Buddha statue at MBA building.
AFTER a two-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Wesak Day will see devotees in Penang back at temples to seek blessings this year.
Coincidentally, this year is also the 60th year since Wesak Day became a national public holiday in Malaysia.
This year’s Wesak theme is “Promote harmony through mutual respect and helping each other”.
Malaysian Buddhist Association (MBA) honorary secretary Venerable Ji Zun said this year, devotees would be allowed to take part in the ritual of bathing the Buddha statue at the MBA building in Burmah Road.
“We encourage the public to keep their masks on at all times.
“We will make sure the public adhere strictly to the standard operating procedures. Devotees will be provided with gloves,” she said.
To prevent overcrowding at the MBA, three Buddha statues will be available.
“Devotees can take part in the bathing of the Buddha statue from 7.30pm to 10pm on Saturday and from 6am to 10pm on Sunday.
Volunteers getting ready the Buddha statue for Wesak Day this weekend at the MBA premises in Burmah Road. – Photos: KT GOH/The Star
“They can visit the exhibition featuring photos of our previous Wesak Day processions at the MBA building on both days.
“There will also be a Wesak Day charity sale from 9am to 2pm on Sunday,” Ji said during a press conference at the MBA building on Thursday.
However, for the third consecutive year, there will be no procession.
Ji added that there would be two major events for the Wesak Day celebration this year.
“We will have a live broadcast commemorating the 60th anniversary of Wesak Day as national public holiday in Malaysia on Saturday at 4pm.
“On Sunday, we will be have an official celebration ceremony at the MBA building at 9am. The event is open to the public,” she said.
Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow is expected to be present.
Both celebrations will be broadcast live on MBA’s Facebook and YouTube channels.
