THE Penang Wesak Celebration for this year is scheduled to run for five days, from May 18 to May 22.
Under the theme ‘Living Harmoniously, Thriving Society,’ the celebration is inspired by the Buddhist teaching of cherishing and preserving life.
Lim Siew Khim, the state executive councillor for Social Development, Welfare, and Non-Islamic Religious Affairs, expressed hope that promoting greater understanding would strengthen friendships and trust, ultimately contributing to a peaceful society.
“In recent years, we have focused on promoting awareness about the ‘Bogus Monk’ issue and providing guidance on prudent ‘almsgiving’ practices.
“We aim to empower the people of Penang to engage in charity with discernment and integrity,” said Lim at the MBA press conference this morning.
The five-day event is initiated by the state government and supported by Penang Harmony Corporation.
Led by the Malaysian Buddhist Association as the main organiser, the event is co-organised with the Malaysian Buddhist Association Penang Branch, the Theravada Buddhist Council of Malaysia, the Vajrayana Buddhist Council of Malaysia and various temples and Buddhist organisations in Penang.
This year’s celebration marks a collaborative effort between the three major Buddhist traditions: Mahayana, Theravada and Vajrayana, reflecting Buddhism’s diversity and inclusiveness.
The festivities will feature a float lighting ceremony, bathing of the Buddha statue, the ‘Buddhist Preservation of Life & Environment Protection’ exhibition, and various exciting activities.
The celebration marks its 9th year of collaboration between the Penang government and the Buddhist Association of Malaysia (MBA) on May 18.
The exhibition, titled “Preservation of Life, Environmental Protection,” will showcase wood carving, calligraphy and painting.
Additionally, a Recycled Crafts Workshop is scheduled for those interested in environmentally friendly arts and crafts. The workshop will instruct participants on creating handmade candles, baskets and Decoupage items.
A cherished tradition, the ceremonial bathing of the Buddha statue, will take place at the MBA Lim Poon Kim Memorial Hall, which will be accessible to the public starting from May 18 at 8pm.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and other dignitaries will be present at the float launch event, which is expected to light up the night symbolically.
As anticipation for Penang Wesak Celebration Day grows, it represents the rich tapestry of Penang’s religious and cultural variety and acts as a beacon of harmony, awareness, and community spirit.
Also present were Venerable Kai Ning, vice chairman of the Penang National Wesak Celebration Conference and Venerable Jizun, general secretary of the Malaysian Buddhist Association.
Visit www.mbahq.my, the official website of the MBA, or the Penang Wesak Celebration event for further information. The public can watch the live broadcast by clicking on the page.
Story by Nurul Hawa Farahin Hameddy
Pix by Joanne Foong and courtesy of Penang Harmony Corporation