10,000 expected to take part in Wesak Day procession

MORE than 10,000 devotees are expected to take part in Wesak Day celebrations in Penang.

This year’s procession includes 23 floats from different societies and temples.

Penang Wesak Celebrations committee chairman Datuk Dr Loh Hock Hun said the procession would start at 6.15pm on May 22 at the Malaysian Buddhist Association (MBA) in Jalan Burma and end at the same location at about midnight.

“The colourful procession will pass along a 7km route after the launch by Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.

“The procession will pass through Jalan Kelawei, Lorong Burma, Jalan Perak, Lebuhraya Peel, Jalan Macalister, Jalan Anson, Lorong Madras and several neighbourhoods before heading back to the MBA building,” he said.

Organised by Penang Wesak Celebrations committee since 1949, the annual event is to commemorate the birth, enlightenment and parinirvana (passing) of Siddharta Gautama Buddha.

The festival will also feature a series of programmes until May 25.

Among the activities are bathing the Buddha and an exhibition which will be held at the MBA building.

Dr Loh said talks offering spiritual insights and guidance would be held on May 19 and May 25 at 8pm on the 3rd floor of the new MBA building.

He said the organising committee would also allow more time for devotees to donate flowers to be put on the main Buddha float.

The public can do so on May 19 (1pm to 9pm), May 20 (9am to 9pm) and May 21 (9am to 6pm).

He said the lighting-up ceremony would be held on the eve of Wesak Day.

The organising committee would also visit various homes, orphanages and institutions in Penang island and mainland to distribute red packets to students and residents from May 16 to 25.

They include Children’s Protection Society, SK Pendidkan Khas Persekutuan, Pusat Kemahiran Pektas and St Nicholas’ Home.

Dr Loh expressed hope that the Wesak Day celebration would embody the theme “living harmoniously, thriving society.”