KUALA LUMPUR: Buddhists in Malaysia on Wednesday (May 22) observe Wesak Day, honouring the birth, enlightenment and passing of the religion's founder, Siddharta Gautama, with the Maha Vihara Buddhist Temple in Brickfields serving as a central hub for celebrations in the federal capital.
As is customary, Wesak Day, a public holiday in Malaysia, saw devotees congregating at Buddhist temples, chanting religious hymns and carrying symbolic Buddhist icons in a procession symbolising purity.
At the Maha Vihara Buddha Temple, approximately 20 decorated car floats were set to partake in a grand 12km procession through Little India, Pasar Seni, Jalan Raja Chulan, and Bukit Bintang.
In Selangor, a key venue for the celebration is the Fo Guang Shan Dong Zen Temple in Jenjarom, Kuala Langat, where devotees begin to gather as early as 8am.
Wesak Day highlights the significance of Buddhist adherents embracing self-assurance in their faith and living in accordance with their beliefs.
Deputy National Unity Minister K. Saraswathy said the celebration, which typically drew around 40,000 attendees in the federal capital, served to strengthen and foster better understanding of other religious cultures within the community.
Wesak Day was commemorated by lighting joss sticks, incense and candles fashioned as lotus flowers, offering flowers and ceremonially bathing statues of Buddha. – Bernama
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