Intricate float a draw for visitors

Detailed features: Buddhist devotees offering prayers in front of the float at Wat Siribunya Maggarama, Ipoh. — RONNIE CHIN/The Star

IPOH: An intricately designed float at Wat Siribunya Maggarama here has drawn admiration from both devotees and visitors during this year’s Wesak Day celebration.

Crafted from wood and poly­styrene, and adorned with traditional motifs, the float stood out as a remarkable symbol of devotion and artistic craftsmanship.

It featured a statue of Buddha and was displayed on the temple grounds along Jalan Tambun, where devotees paid homage.

Temple committee chairman Iyeng Endin Niang said the float was crafted by six artisans from Songkhla, Thailand, over a period of six months.

Act of devotion: People participating in the Buddha statue-bathing ritual at the Sarawak Buddhist Association, Kuching. — ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE/The Star

“The float stands 5m high and about 7m long.

“This is a special design from Songkhla.

“It was originally meant for a procession, but due to its height, it cannot be taken out through the main entrance.

“As a result, the float is displayed within the temple grounds so that devotees and visitors could receive blessings from it,” he said when met at the temple during the Wesak Day celebration yesterday.

Iyeng Endin said around 10,000 devotees had visited the temple since Saturday, with many attending to seek blessings, listen to Dharma talks and participate in the candlelight procession around the temple.

There are currently 10 monks from Thailand based at the temple.

One of the devotees, Lee Som Mat, 64, a retired civil servant of mixed Chinese-Siamese heritage, said he was returning to the temple after nearly 40 years.

Originally from Taiping, Perak, and now residing in Kuantan, Pahang, Lee said he came this year with his sister and her family.

“When I was young, my father used to bring me here almost every year. I then continued observing Wesak Day in Taiping,” he said.

Also at the temple was Dr G. Megala, who was with her husband and their three sons.

Originally from Penang, Megala, 40, said she used to visit a Buddhist temple there every Wesak Day.

“After getting married and moving to Ipoh, I now make it a point to come to this temple every year.

“Although I’m a Hindu, I always come here to offer prayers and seek blessings for my family,” she added.

Another devotee, who wished to be known as NS Lim, 55, said he came from Kuala Lumpur for the celebration.

“My family and I thought of visiting Ipoh this time for Wesak Day.

“This is the first time I am visiting this temple as usually we visit Buddhist temples in Kuala Lumpur or Penang,” he said.