WESAK Day was marked across Malaysia with peaceful and devout celebrations as Buddhist devotees gathered in large numbers to commemorate the birth, enlightenment and passing of Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism.
In Kuala Lumpur, the historic Buddhist Maha Vihara Temple in Brickfields welcomed worshippers from 8am, with many participating in traditional rituals and offerings. The celebration also attracted local non-Buddhists and international tourists keen to witness and understand Buddhist customs.
Bernama cited that among them was M. Rajan, 45, a Hindu who said he attended to support his Buddhist friends and honour Malaysia’s multicultural fabric. “Malaysia is a multicultural and multireligious country. I believe it’s important for us to respect one another’s faiths and celebrate together. This is one of the ways we can nurture harmony,” he told Bernama.
Filipino tourist Jonathan Reyes shared a similar sentiment. “It’s nice to see how peaceful and respectful the atmosphere is. I’m not a Buddhist, but being here today has given me a greater understanding and appreciation of Malaysia’s spiritual diversity,” he said.
In Selangor, the Fo Guang Shan Dong Zen Temple in Jenjarom, Kuala Langat, drew tens of thousands of devotees over the weekend. Temple manager Miao Yue, 52, estimated around 30,000 visitors since Saturday, taking part in ceremonies to honour the Buddha.
Perak’s Enlightened Heart Tibetan Buddhist Temple in Tambun and Wat Siribunya Maggarama in Ipoh also saw strong turnouts. Many devotees queued to perform the symbolic bathing of Buddha statues, offer incense and scatter flower petals, while others brought rice and flowers as temple donations.
Penang’s major temples, including Wat Chaiya Mangalaram, Wat Buppharam, and Kek Lok Si, were lively with activity as devotees and visitors participated in lighting lotus candles and offering prayers. At the Malaysian Buddhist Association on Jalan Burma, worshippers of all ages gathered early to observe rituals in a deeply spiritual setting.
In Perlis, celebrations were centred at the Perlis Buddhist Society building in Kangar, where 28 monks led religious observances attended by thousands. Society chairman Tan Chan Sin said a float procession was scheduled for the evening to enhance the significance of the day.
In East Malaysia, Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian and Kuching South Mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng attended the Wesak Day gathering at the Sarawak Buddhist Association in Kuching, joining devotees in commemorating the occasion.
Meanwhile in Kelantan, Wat Prachumthat Chanaram in Tumpat became a key site for nationwide devotees. For over 40 years, the temple has held annual Wesak events, including flower processions and candlelight circumambulations of the stupa—a symbolic act of devotion to the Buddha’s teachings.
Temple committee member Thom Ija, 67, noted that nearly 200 people had been present since the night before. “The rituals will continue until tomorrow,” he said. A visiting devotee from Selangor, Kok, 69, said he makes the journey yearly, drawn by the temple’s serene atmosphere and the opportunity to deepen his spiritual connection. - May 12, 2025
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