Written by Administrator II
Thursday, 19 May 2016
Date: 21 May
Time: 6.00pm
Venue: Malaysian Buddhist Association
Wesak Day is observed by devotees to celebrate Buddha’s birthday, enlightenment and achievement of Nirvana. From very early in the morning, devotees flock to temples to meditate as well as participate in candle-lit processions. As a sign of benevolence, doves are set free and other charitable acts are also performed by devotees such as providing free vegetarian meals.
The pinnacle of the celebration is in the evening where there is a procession of floats with colourful flowers and bright lights accompanied by children singing and monks chanting prayers while sprinkling holy water throughout the journey.
In Penang, the annual Wesak Day procession has been organized since 1949 until today and is being run entirely by devotee volunteers and funded through donations. The grand procession for this year will start in the evening at 6.00pm from the Malaysian Buddhist Association, 182, Burmah Road (opposite the Chinese Recreation Club) and end at the same venue.
Buddhist devotees from all walks of life, both young and old, participate by follow the procession which passes through the streets of George Town.
For more information and enquiries do contact Malaysian Buddhist Association at 04-2262690.
