KUALA LUMPUR: A huge float featuring a dragon ship design, aimed at showcasing multiculturalism, is being prepped up for the Wesak Day procession tomorrow.
“The ship symbolises the determination and will to overcome sufferings in our lives,” said Buddhist chief high priest of Malaysia Datuk K. Sri Dhammaratana.
At the same time, he said the aim was to incorporate culture into their traditions.
“We hope the ship will be viewed as a symbol of multicultural unity and motivate people to strive for happiness in times of suffering,” he said in an interview.
The float, which is over 2m in height, is now at the Buddhist Maha Vihara Temple here.
A check on the float yesterday saw that it was almost ready with just a few parts along the dragon’s neck still being painted and a few wooden decorations to be nailed into the sides of the ship.
Dhammaratana said flowers would be added to the float hours before the procession starts.
This was to ensure the freshness of the blooms and its beauty, he added.
“Some of these flowers are donated by devotees. There are also a number of lotus flowers, which was specifically ordered by us, to decorate the float.
“The lotus flowers symbolise purity due to its ability to emerge from murky waters in the morning and be perfectly clean. This will go well with our float’s message,” he said.
The float procession this year is expected to draw countless spectators as it moves along its route through the heart of Kuala Lumpur, from the temple here in Brickfields to the Bukit Bintang area before returning to the temple.
Wesak Day commemorates the birth, enlightenment and death of Buddha.
Devotees will visit temples across the country for prayers, offerings and chanting.
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