MELAKA: Long queues formed at Seck Kia Eenh Buddhist Temple (SKE) in Gajah Berang here as thousands gathered for free vegetarian meals offered in conjunction with the upcoming Wesak Day celebration.
Organising chairman Daniel Ang Yam Seng said close to 3,000 devotees, tourists and members of the public visited the temple over the three-day meal distribution period, which began on Saturday (May 23) and concluded on Monday (May 25).
"The response was overwhelming, with meals served continuously from breakfast until dinner throughout the three days.
"Our volunteers worked tirelessly to ensure everyone who came to the temple was served over the past few days,” he said when contacted on Monday.
Ang said the free meals initiative had become one of the meaningful traditions of the annual Wesak Day celebration, reflecting the Buddhist values of compassion, charity and togetherness.
He added that the SKE's pre-Wesak programmes would culminate with the main celebration on May 31, featuring daily chanting sessions and religious activities.
"The highlight of this year’s celebration will be the grand Wesak procession on May 30, expected to attract thousands of devotees and visitors to the historic city," he said.
Ang said about 40 participating groups comprising Buddhist temples, associations and community organisations are expected to take part in the procession featuring decorated floats, lantern displays and devotional chanting.
“The procession symbolises peace, harmony and compassion, which are among the core teachings of Buddhism,” he said.
The procession route would pass through Jalan Gajah Berang, Jalan Tun Perak; Jalan Malim; Jalan Datuk Wira Poh Ah Tiam (Lorong Pandan); Jalan Limbongan; Jalan Syed Abdul Aziz; Jalan Kota Laksamana and Jalan Tengkera.
Ang added that a candlelight procession together with the sacred relics of Lord Buddha would also be held within the temple compound on the night of Wesak Day.
Apart from the religious observances, the temple would also organise charity distribution for poor and underprivileged families on June 14.
"The annual celebration at SKE continues to bring together people from different backgrounds in the spirit of peace, unity and goodwill,” he said.
