PENANG is set to host its 10th annual Wesak Day celebration on May 3 bringing together more than 20 Buddhist organisations in a vibrant expression of unity, spiritual reflection, and cultural richness.
Themed ‘Foster True Compassion and Wisdom, Forge True Peace and Harmony’, the event promises a meaningful experience for devotees and the public alike.
Organised by the Malaysian Buddhist Association (MBA) with support from the Penang government, this year’s celebration will take place at the Wisma Malaysian Buddhist Association, beginning at 6.30pm.
The evening will feature a solemn ‘Bathing the Buddha’ ceremony, the launch of the annual Wesak float parade, and a 10-day lotus-themed exhibition designed to offer a serene encounter with Buddhist teachings.
At the press conference announcing the event today, state Social Development, Welfare and Non-Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman Lim Siew Khim said this year’s theme perfectly highlights the inner strength needed in a multicultural society.
“Only by understanding one another with empathy and resolving differences with wisdom can we build a truly harmonious and inclusive community,” she said.
Also present at the media conference were organising vice-chairmen Teh Lai Heng (Komtar assemblyman), Ven Kai Ning, and Loo Keat Seng.
The celebration, first initiated by the Penang government in 2012, has since grown into one of the largest Buddhist cultural festivals in Malaysia.
It unites Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana traditions, drawing participation from temples and Buddhist societies across Penang.
MBA assistant youth officer Ven Fa Zun, who is also the assistant honorary secretary of the organising committee, highlighted the scale of collaboration this year.
“Over 20 Buddhist organisations are jointly participating,” he noted, listing key participants such as the Theravada Buddhist Council of Malaysia, Vajrayana Buddhist Council of Malaysia, Penang Lay Buddhist Society, Than Hsiang Temple, and Mahindarama Buddhist Temple, among others.
A centrepiece of the celebration is the lotus-themed exhibition, inspired by the Buddhist teaching: “untouched by water like the lotus, and unattached like the sun and moon that do not linger in the sky”.
The lotus symbolises spiritual purity and enlightenment, reminding visitors of the possibility of maintaining inner peace amid worldly distractions.
The exhibition will run for 10 days, offering visitors a quiet space for reflection, learning, and appreciation of Buddhist values.
Lim, who is also the organising deputy chairman, praised the efforts of Penang Harmony Corporation and all Buddhist groups for making each year’s celebration ‘more profound and impactful’.
She also reaffirmed the state government’s continued support for religious and cultural events, stressing that ‘faith is not only a source of spiritual support but also a cornerstone of social stability’.
This year, the celebration includes a special highlight in the Theravada Buddhism Exhibition Zone, where two monks specially invited from Sri Lanka will demonstrate the traditional art of ola-leaf manuscript engraving.
Their live demonstration, on May 3 and 4, will offer attendees a unique insight into the ancient Buddhist art form.
In addition to its spiritual focus, the Wesak Day celebration also aims to serve as a cultural and tourism platform.
“We warmly welcome local and international visitors to experience the beauty of Buddhism within Penang’s rich multicultural fabric.
“This event is an opportunity to witness how religion, culture, and community come together in harmony,” Lim said.
For updates on the schedule and event details, visit https://facebook.com/events/s/%E6%A7%9F%E5%B7%9E%E5%85%A8%E6%B0%91%E5%BA%86%E5%8D%AB%E5%A1%9E-penang-wesak-celebrati/1595833541091691/