Buddhists thronged SJKC Foon Yew 1 here to celebrate the state-level Wesak Day organised by the Malaysian Buddhist Association Johor chapter.
Devotees arrived at the school at 8am yesterday to take part in the bathing of the Buddha statue ceremony while others offered prayers.
Several volunteers also set up booths to sell items for charity.
Stulang assemblyman Mok Check Hou, who took part in the event, said Wesak Day was a day to rejoice and pray for happiness.
“It is truly a wonderful day when people gather to pray for their well-being,” he said.
Clerk Tracy Teng, 27, said she was looking forward to the event as it commemorated the birth of Buddha. “I am praying for good health and happiness for all, regardless of race and religion,” she said.
At the Fo Guang Johor Baru Buddhist Association in Taman Perling, Briton Mat Allard, 36, said that it was the first time he witnessed the celebrations.
“It is interesting to explore the Buddhist culture and see how Wesak Day is celebrated here,” he said.
Meanwhile, MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek attended Wesak Day celebrations at SJKC Chong Hwa in Kluang.
In Penang, thousands of devotees visited Buddhist temples to pray.
The devotees also gave offerings of incense and flowers.
Among the popular venues were the Than Hsiang Buddhist Temple in Bayan Baru, the Dhammikarama Burmese Buddhist Temple and Wat Chaiya Mangalaram in Burmah Lane, Wat Buppharam and the Ang Hock See Buddhist Temple in Perak Road, the Penang Buddhist Association in Anson Road and the Malaysian Buddhist Association in Burmah Road.
Penang Wesak celebrations committee chairman Datuk Dr Loh Hock Hun and several VIPs launched the Penang Buddhist Association’s float, which was part of the grand Wesak float procession.
In Kuala Lumpur, the heavy rain did not stop tens of thousands of devotees from taking part in the 12km Wesak Day float procession yesterday.
Some 30 colourful floats participated in the procession, which started at the Buddhist Maha Vihara in Brickfields before proceeding to the city centre and back again to the temple. Among the participants were Buddhist Chief High Priest of Malaysia Venerable K. Sri Dhammaratana and Deputy Information, Communication and Culture Minister Senator Heng Seai Kie, who launched the event earlier.
Source : http://thestar.com.my
