Major Events & Festivals - Wesak Day Celebration in Malaysia

Wesak Day Celebration - 19 May 2008

Lord Buddha

Wesak Day is celebrated throughout the world to commemorate and honor the Birthday of Lord Buddha, the Enlightened One. It is the most auspicious day in the Buddhist calendar, marking the birth, enlightenment and death of Buddha.

Celebrations begin before dawn in temples throughout the country. Buddhist devotees will gather in temples throughout the country to release doves and to offer prayers. Wesak is also an occasion to offer alms to monks and give free meals to the needy.

Buddhists observe the birth, enlightenment and passing of Lord Buddha. Religious offerings and

rituals such as 'bathing of the Buddha', chanting of holy scriptures, lighting of joss sticks and

ordination of monks usually take place in Buddhist temples. Come nightfall, there will be grand

processions in cities such as Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, Seremban, Melaka and Georgetown.