THE streets at the heart of George Town came alive this evening as Buddhists gathered to celebrate Wesak Day and witnessed a grand procession that began in front of the Malaysian Buddhist Association (MBA) on Burmah Road.
Starting at about 6.30pm, more than 20 elaborately decorated floats passed through Kelawai Road, Burmah Lane, Peel Avenue, Macalister Road, Perak Road, and Anson Road before returning to the MBA.
Contributed by various Buddhist temples in Penang, the floats captivated onlookers with their artistic representations of Buddha, drawing thousands of spectators who lined the streets to catch the revered images.
Policemen and volunteer personnel were stationed along the route to manage traffic and ensure the smooth flow of the procession.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who officiated as the guest of honour, extended warm Wesak Day greetings to the Buddhist community in recognition of the meaningful occasion.
“The annual float procession, rich in spiritual and cultural symbolism, continues to reflect Penang’s vibrant multicultural harmony and shared values.
“Each year during Wesak, beautifully decorated floats parade through the streets, with devotees offering prayers in reverence.
“These celebrations attract participation from people of all ethnicities and visitors, making it not only a religious observance but also a vibrant display of unity and harmony in our multicultural society,” said Chow in his speech.
This year’s celebration carried the theme, “Foster True Compassion and Wisdom, Forge True Peace and Harmony.”
Chow emphasised the importance of tolerance and living harmoniously within the community.
“I strongly believe that religion plays a vital role in nurturing social harmony. As we advance toward modernisation and technological innovation, we must also prioritise the cultivation of humanistic values,” he added.
Chow said that the state remains committed to upholding religious freedom and cultural diversity, adding that religious organisations, cultural bodies, and civil society groups are key partners in this effort.
He also commended the MBA for its unwavering leadership in uniting temples and promoting education, charity, and social services.
Penang Wesak Day Celebrations Committee chairman Datuk Dr Loh Hock Hun described the celebration as an opportunity to unite a community of faith.
“This year, we mark the 2,569th anniversary of Lord Buddha’s Mahaparinibbana as millions of devotees come together to commemorate the occasion,” he said.
Loh expressed hope that mutual respect would be practised among all individuals, as it is the foundation of national harmony.
MBA president Ven Jit Heng expressed his delight at the large turnout, saying that the Wesak Day celebration is one of the most significant festivals for Buddhists.
During the event, four organisations, namely the Pusat Kanak-Kanak Istimewa Pulau Pinang, Persatuan Kebajikan Than Hsiang Wan Ching Yuen Pulau Pinang, the National Cancer Society of Malaysia (Penang branch), and the Penang Pure Lotus Society Hospice of Compassion, each received RM2,000 from the Penang Wesak Celebrations Committee.
Also present were state Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai, Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng, Penang Island City Council (MBPP) mayor Datuk A. Rajendran, Penang Wesak Committee vice-chairman Datuk Seri Choot Ewe Seng, Mahindarama Buddhist Temple chief monk Ven Suriyawewa Dhammawansha Thero, MBA former supervisory committee chairman Ven Boon Keng, and Consul-General of Thailand in Penang, Psusist Wongsuwarat.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix and video by Siew Chia En