Penang Wesak parade sparks joy for thousands

Large crowds line the street as the 4.5m-tall main float from MBA proceeds along Jalan Burma. (Below) Devotees following the procession on foot while carrying lit lotus lamps.

Visitors and devotees were enthralled by the vibrance of the colourful float procession at Penang’s Wesak Day celebration.

The parade drew thousands along its 7km route on Sunday evening.

It began at 6pm from the Penang Lee Sih Chong Soo (Lee Kongsi) in Jalan Burma and proceeded along Jalan Kelawai, Lorong Burma, Lebuh­raya Peel, Jalan Macalister, Jalan Perak, Jalan Anson and Lorong Madras before returning to its starting point.

Due to the ongoing reconstruction of the Malay­sian Buddhist Association’s (MBA) headquarters, this year’s celebration was held at Lee Kongsi just next door.

Wesak Day commemorates the birth, enlightenment and passing of Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha.

For Neal Bouwman, 36, from Lochem in the Netherlands, witnessing the procession was a memorable introduction to the festival.

The former data scientist said he was captivated by the colourful floats and warm interactions with locals.

“There was also a man spraying water on people. One nice man gave me flowers and someone else gave me candy and a flag,” he said, adding that he especially enjoyed the diabolo performance and synchronised marching by contingents.

Ukrainian couple Alina R. and Oleksandr R., both 29 and based in Berlin, described the procession as a soothing experience.

“The procession looked beautiful, calm and relaxing. It was interesting to see,” they said, adding that they had included Wesak Day in their two-week itinerary while planning their travel.

The software engineer couple also visited Kek Lok Si Temple earlier in the day, where, for the first time, they observed devotees performing rituals such as bathing the Buddha and chanting.

From China, Sun Huifang, 47, said her 25-member group travelled from cities including Shang­hai, Suzhou, Guangzhou, Ningbo and Hangzhou to take part in the celebrations here.

She said participation by young people was particularly moving.

“The float procession was both magnificent and solemn. The chanting, together with the crowd’s laughter and joy, created a peaceful and joyful atmosphere,” she said.

The group also took part in a Wesak Day carnival organised by Penang Bodhi Heart Sanctuary, which combined artistic expression with Zen-inspired practices.

“We are delighted to be part of this celebration and to share something meaningful with others,” said Sun.

A highlight of this year’s procession was a trio of inflatable Buddha figures, which drew the attention of crowds lining the streets.

The cartoon-style figures on a float by Buddhist organisation Hui Yin Seh, were accompanied by a ribbon dance troupe and contemporary Buddhist music, adding a light-hearted touch to the procession.

The Penang Wesak Day celebration, organised by MBA, featured 23 floats by 22 Buddhist and charitable organisations.

To mark the Year of the Horse, several floats were also decorated with horse motifs, including carousel-style displays, alongside musical performances that added vibrancy to the event.

Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said he approved RM120,000 for MBA’s Wesak Day celebration on May 21 after receiving the application on May 15, stressing that the state had consistently funded the event, except during the Covid-19 pandemic years.

Penang Wesak Day organising committee chairman Datuk Dr Loh Hock Hun said this year’s theme reflected the challenges and opportunities of the digital age.

He said technology had brought people closer but also introduced distractions and complexity.

Thus, he urged people to cultivate mindfulness amid the constant flow of information.

“In our daily lives, let us return to our inner selves, cultivate right views and compassion, and allow wisdom to guide our direction while good intentions shape our actions, so that digital development becomes an aid rather than an obstacle,” he said.

Also present at the Penang Wesak Day celebration were MBA president Vene­rable Datuk Seri Seck Jit Heng, organising committee deputy chairman Datuk Seri Choot Ewe Seng and Tanjong MP Lim Hui Ying.