THOUSANDS of devotees thronged the Malaysian Buddhist Association (MBA) on Jalan Burma in George Town to take part in the Wesak Day Float procession today.
The 7km procession, which was not held for the last three years due to the Covid-19 pandemic, saw the participation of 25 organisations, including various Buddhist temples and societies.
Their respective floats, carrying statues of Buddha, were well decorated with colourful flowers.
Wesak Day, which falls today (May 4), is recognised as a public holiday by the Federal Government and observed by Buddhists as a religious event to commemorate the birth, enlightenment and death of Buddha.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who was invited to officiate the ceremony, said the Wesak Day float procession began in 1958 when the Penang Wesak Celebrations Committee was formed.
He added that last year, the MBA held a celebration to mark the 60th anniversary of Wesak Day being recognised as a public holiday in Malaysia.
He thanked the past and present members of the committee who have worked and contributed tirelessly every year to keep the tradition alive for the people of Penang.
“For us to hold a religious celebration such as the Wesak Day Float procession requires a harmonious, stable and inclusive society. We, Malaysians, are very blessed because we all live in peace, and are tolerant and respectful towards one another despite our differences when it comes to race and religion.
“As Penangites, we are even more blessed because we can be part of this spectacular, orderly and solemn Wesak Day float. Moreover, this float also attracts tourists from all over the country as well as overseas to Penang to be part of the Wesak Day celebration,” Chow said in his speech.
The theme for this year’s Wesak Day celebration is “United Progress Towards National Prosperity and Resilient Citizens”.
Chow said the theme emphasised the importance of unity, cooperation and dedication.
“In Buddhism, the followers are taught to care for others, to serve others and to minimise suffering and misfortune. I hope all of us can act on this spirit of giving to make a positive contribution to our society and country, thus creating a better, more prosperous and equitable future.
“I believe that we should respect and appreciate the values and beliefs of all individual religions.
“In Buddhism, education and good deeds play a very important role. Respect for others and equality are core Buddhist values.
“I encourage everyone, regardless of your religious background, to learn from the Buddha’s teachings and to apply them in your daily lives which can result in more kindness and positive influence while promoting social harmony and development,” Chow said.
Organising chairman Datuk Dr Loh Hock Hun said this year’s Wesak Day marked the 2,567 years of the passing away of Buddha.
He urged all devotees to practise Lord Buddha’s spirit of showering compassion, love and care towards humankind.
“By doing so, the celebration would become more meaningful.
“It is my hope that all Malaysians would not focus on differences between one another but instead actively look more for similarities and common ground.
“We can maintain a peaceful nation if we foster unity among the peoples of various races and religions.
“Malaysia has a high degree of tolerance and respect for one another due to our strength that comes from our diverse cultures,” Loh said in his speech.
Later, Chow and other dignitaries witnessed the handing over of mock cheques of RM2,000 each by the organisers to four charitable organisations, namely Pure Lotus Hospice of Compassion, National Cancer Society of Malaysia (Penang branch), Persatuan Kebajikan Than Hsiang Wan Chin Yuen Pulau Pinang and Pusat Kanak-kanak Istimewa Pulau Pinang.
Among those present were Deputy Education Minister Lim Hui Ying, state executive councillor Yeoh Soon Hin, Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng, Pulau Tikus assemblyman Chris Lee, Japan consul-general in Penang Kawaguchi Yoshiyasu, Thailand consul-general in Raschada Jiwalai, Australia consul-general in Penang Datuk Dr Lim Huat Bee (who is also the patron of the Penang Wesak Celebrations Committee), MBA honorary life president Datuk Steven Ooi, MBA president Ven Seck Jit Heng and Mahindarama Buddhist Temple chief monk Ven Dhammawansha Thero.
The organisers expected the float procession to draw over 20,000 crowd, including those who came out to witness the procession along the 7km route.
Police personnel and Rela officers did an excellent job in manning the roads, enabling the procession to proceed smoothly as it covered Burma Road (from MBA building), Pangkor Road, Kelawei Road, Lorong Burma, Perak Road, Peel Avenue, Macalister Road, Perak Road, Anson Road, Macalister Road, Madras Lane and Burma Road (back to MBA building).
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud
Video by Ahmad Adil Muhamad