GEORGE TOWN: For cargo officer A. Asokan, Wesak Day this year was about more than offering prayers – it was a rare opportunity to spend meaningful time with his family in the place he still calls home.
The Penang-born Johor Baru resident made a point of visiting the Penang Buddhist Association (PBA) in Jalan Anson yesterday with his wife, A. Jayalakshmi, 48, a housewife, and their younger son, A. Rajiv, 19, a student, during the long holiday weekend.
For Asokan, a visit to the century-old association has become a cherished tradition whenever he returns to Penang.
“There is a sense of peace here that is difficult to describe. The atmosphere is very calming.”
The 58-year-old said this year’s celebration was particularly meaningful as it had been five years since he last observed Wesak Day with Rajiv due to conflicting work and university schedules.
“I am grateful that we can finally spend this time together again. Family moments like this become more precious as the years go by,” he said.
The family also visited Wat Buppharam along Perak Road, where the ashes of Asokan’s late father are kept.
He said the visit provided an opportunity to remember loved ones while reflecting on the values of gratitude and compassion associated with Wesak Day.
Asokan said one of the things he appreciated most about celebrating Wesak Day in Penang was the diversity of devotees who came together to mark the occasion.
“You can see people from different communities, including the Chinese, Indian, Thai and Myanmar communities, joining in the celebrations. That is something special about Penang,” he said.
For university student R. Sangar, 24, from Kuala Lumpur, the long holiday weekend offered a chance to experience Wesak Day in Penang for the first time with his family.
The PBA was their first stop upon arriving on the island.
“Every year, my family and I visit Buddhist temples around Brickfields to offer prayers during Wesak Day. This is my first time here,” he said.
Sangar described PBA as a peaceful and welcoming place.
PBA chairman Chan Seong Lok reminded devotees that Wesak Day was not only a celebration of the Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and passing, but also an opportunity for self-reflection.
“In a world often marked by challenges and uncertainty, the Buddha’s teachings remind us to cultivate loving kindness, understanding and mindfulness.”
Chan added that Wesak was a time to renew one’s commitment to the Dhamma through generosity, moral conduct and wisdom.
Founded in 1925 by Straits Chinese Buddhists, the PBA was established to preserve and promote Buddhism. Its landmark building, completed in 1931, is noted for its distinctive Late Straits Eclectic architecture, blending Chinese and Western design influences.
Penang Wesak Day organising committee chairman Datuk Dr Loh Hock Hun said the celebration served as a reminder that compassion, wisdom and inner peace remained relevant in everyday life.
