Seeking blessings: Mohanasunthari (right) and her mother taking part in the bathing of the Buddha statue at the Penang Buddhist Association. — LIM BENG TATT/The Star
GEORGE TOWN: Chemist P. Mohanasunthari, 30, and her mother Choong Pei Sze, 48, were all smiles as they carried lotus-shaped candles and a bunch of flowers at the Penang Buddhist Association in Anson Road here on Wesak Day.
Although raised as a Hindu, Mohanasunthari said her mother is “Chindian” (an informal term for individuals of mixed Chinese and Indian parentage) and was exposed to Buddhism in her youth.
“We have an altar at home with a Buddha statue. We lit a candle and offered food before coming here to pray,” she said yesterday.
For her family, celebrating Wesak Day at a temple is a long-standing tradition.
“We are vegetarians on this day and bring flowers and candles. We will light joss sticks and take part in the bathing of the Buddha statue,” she added.
Coming from a mixed-race family means that Mohanasunthari observes several festivities.
“We celebrate Chinese New Year and even the Qing Ming Festival. We visit my grandfather’s grave every year to pay our respects,” she said.
Another multi-faith family who celebrated Wesak Day was businessman G. Yuvaraj, 47.
“I’m Hindu and my wife is a Christian but we respect each other’s religion.
“I have two daughters and we raised them to venerate all gods and enjoy the different celebrations.
“We are here to light joss sticks, candles and offer prayers of thanks for the year,” he said.
Yuvaraj said it is important to teach children about other cultures and beliefs.
First-time parent Alex Tan, 25, was seen cradling his eight-month-old son Austin as he took part in bathing the Buddha statue.
“This is my first time here as I just relocated from Kedah.
“I brought my son as it is his first Wesak Day,” he said.
Tan, a nurse, said that as a Buddhist, Wesak Day is his family’s main celebration.
“We come to pay homage and give thanks for Buddha’s teachings.
“It is nice to see people from other cultural backgrounds taking part as well.
“It is all about celebrating wholesomeness,” he said.
Celebrating their centennial anniversary, the Penang Buddhist Association saw hundreds of devotees taking turns to bathe the Buddha statues and pray.
Its president Chan Seong Lok said Wesak Day is a time of deep reflection, reverence and gratitude .
“As we celebrate the birth, enlightenment and passing of Buddha, it’s a time when we unite as a community to renew our commitment to the teachings of Buddha,” he said.
