(From fourth left) Ng, Shah Alam City councillor Muhammad Shakir Ameer Mohideen and Tan at a press conference announcing details of the celebrations to be held at Maha Karuna Vihara temple in Shah Alam.
Host of events include exhibition, mini bazaar, multicultural shows leading to ceremony at Shah Alam temple on May 17
THE Selangor government will hold the 2025 state-level Wesak Day celebration on May 17 at Maha Karuna Vihara Buddhist temple in Elmina, Shah Alam.
The celebration is organised in collaboration with the Malaysia Buddhist Consultative Council, the Selangor Chapter of the Malaysia Buddhist Association and the Theravada Buddhist Council of Malaysia (TBCM).
“Since 2009, Selangor has proudly adopted an inclusive approach in celebrating Wesak Day, hosting annual state-level events that reflect the diversity and unity within our Buddhist communities,” said state investment, trade and mobility committee chairman Ng Sze Han, who is the event organising committee chairman.
“Following last year’s celebration at PJ Kwan Inn Teng temple in Petaling Jaya, we are honoured to collaborate with TBCM this year.
“This shows our commitment to interfaith harmony and mutual respect.”
In conjunction with Visit Selangor Year 2025, this year’s celebration, which started on April 20, spans an entire month.
A series of events are being held across 20 Buddhist monasteries, temples and society venues in Selangor.
The public are encouraged to collect a “Wesak Month Passport Booklet” and earn stamps at each location.
Participants who collect at least 10 stamps will be eligible to enter a lucky draw where they can win exciting prizes.
A photography competition themed “Wesak Warms My Heart” is ongoing, with online submissions open until May 13.
Entries that capture the essence and spirit of Wesak will be awarded cash prizes.
On May 17, visitors to Maha Karuna Vihara can look forward to spiritual and cultural experiences.
These will include Buddha bathing rituals, an exhibition of sacred manuscripts made of ola leaf (palm leaf), a mini bazaar and multicultural performances.
The activities are open to all, regardless of ethnicity or faith.
Wesak Day is the most important event in the Buddhist calendar, said TBCM president Tan Leng Huat.
The celebration, he said, commemorates the birth, enlightenment and passing of the Buddha.
“Through cultural showcases and spiritual activities, we hope both Buddhists and non-Buddhists can come together to foster understanding, and promote a harmonious society,” added Tan.
Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari will officiate at the opening ceremony of the Wesak Day celebration at 9am.
Foreign dignitaries, elected representatives, government officials, community leaders and interfaith religious leaders have been invited to the event.
For details, visit www.tbcm.org.my
