Act of humility: Devotees placing food in the monks’ bowls during the 2025 Merdeka Blessings organised by Ubom at SMJK Phor Tay in George Town. — LIM BENG TATT/The Star
GEORGE TOWN: Reverence prevailed as thousands of Buddhist devotees knelt, bowed and offered food to monks during the Merdeka Alms-Giving Ceremony.
The Maha Sanghika Dana (mass offerings to the Buddhist monks) event began with a symbolic alms procession featuring 68 forest-dwelling monks at SMJK Phor Tay in Sungai Dua here.
Known as Pindapata (the practice of Buddhist monks receiving food offerings from devotees), it reflects the core values of humility, reliance on generosity and detachment from material possessions.
The monks were led by Phra Kitisobahno under the spiritual guidance of the Chief Monk of the Dhammayut Order in Malaysia and Singapore, Chao Khun Keng.
Aside from Malaysia, monks also came from Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand.
A themed tribute to 68 Years of Unity, the event was organised by the United Buddhist Order of Malaysia (Ubom) with the support of the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Penang.
Many devotees gathered from as early as dawn, lining the roads with offerings of food, robes and daily essentials.
They also prayed for peace and prosperity of the country.
Ubom adviser Datuk Seri Steven Ooi said he was deeply moved by the turnout and devotion shown.
“What made this event truly special was the eagerness of thousands who waited patiently on their knees to make their offerings,” he said, adding that the entire event was carried out in an orderly manner.
Ooi said some 1,000 robes were offered during the ceremony, each representing a devotee’s support of the Sangha’s vow to live without attachment while continuing along the path of Dharma.
“It marked a powerful moment of collective merit-making and devotion,” he added.
The robe-offering ceremony, a key element of Buddhist practice, strengthens the bond between the laity and the monastic community.
By offering robes, devotees reaffirm their commitment to sustaining the monks’ spiritual journey and their role as guides in the teachings of Dharma.
The event also featured a historic milestone with the announcement that the Supreme Sangha Council of Thailand had given official approval for the setting up of the Malaysia-Singapore Dhammayut Sangha Council.
Ubom said the council, to be led by Chao Khun Keng, would deepen religious ties and cooperation between the Sangha communities of both nations.
Adding to the significance, 12 abbots from Ubom monasteries across the country were formally appointed, a move seen as an important step in strengthening unity and leadership within Malaysia’s Buddhist community.
The ceremonies closed with a dhamma talk and a merits-transference session, where blessings were dedicated to all beings.
Devotees joined the chanting in solemn unity, bringing the proceedings to a meaningful end.
