KUALA LUMPUR, May 9 — An estimated 25,000 devotees are expected to participate in the Wesak Day float procession this Monday (May 12), beginning at the Buddhist Maha Vihara in Brickfields.
KUALA LUMPUR, May 9 — An estimated 25,000 devotees are expected to participate in the Wesak Day float procession this Monday (May 12), beginning at the Buddhist Maha Vihara in Brickfields.
Joint Wesak Celebration Committee (JWCC) chairman Ng Yong Pau said the procession, featuring approximately 30 floats, will commence at 6pm from the Buddhist Maha Vihara on Jalan Berhala. The route will take participants through Jalan Sultan Abdul Samad, Jalan Tun Sambanthan, Jalan Petaling, Jalan Yap Ah Loy, Jalan Hang Lekiu, Jalan Gereja, and Jalan Raja Chulan.
The four-hour, 12-kilometre journey will conclude as the floats return to the temple via Jalan P. Ramlee, Jalan Raja Chulan, Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, Jalan Tun Sambanthan, and Jalan Sultan Abdul Samad later that night.
Ng explained that the 25,000 devotees include those walking alongside the floats at different stages, not counting the thousands more expected to gather as spectators. “So, you can imagine the huge crowd that will turn up. This year’s theme is ‘Foster True Compassion and Wisdom, Forge True Peace and Harmony’,” he said during a press conference last night.
He added that due to a recent change in traffic direction, the procession will not pass through Jalan Bukit Bintang as in previous years. “We hope this parade spreads the peace and harmony of Buddhism to everyone,” he said.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook is expected to officiate the launch ceremony on Monday evening.
In addition to the procession, the Maha Vihara will host a blood donation drive and offer free food. Thousands are anticipated to visit the temple, bringing offerings such as flowers, candles, and joss sticks.
Meanwhile, Malaysia’s Buddhist Chief High Priest, Datuk Dr K. Sri Dhammaratana, expressed concern over the decline of spiritual and family values in modern society.
“Today’s society has changed — the spiritual and familial bonds are fading. I sincerely urge all parents to provide their children with at least the fundamental teachings of the great masters,” he said.
Wesak Day is one of the most sacred festivals for Buddhists, commemorating the birth, enlightenment, and passing of Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism. The celebration includes lighting incense and lotus candles, offering flowers, and symbolically bathing the statue of the Buddha. — Bernama
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