Wesak Day Celebrations

Wesak Day has always been a big thing with Mum. Usually one or two days before it dawns, Mum will visit at least two Buddhist temples to offer prayers. This year we went to the Buddhist temples in Burmah Road and Burmah Lane. As it was a week day, there were not many people around and we were able to pray quietly without being pushed and jostled about by other devotees.

On Wesak morning, we attended a bhajan at our Sai Centre. This year, devotees were given the opportunity to "bathe" a small statue of Lord Buddha (like what is done in most temples). Bathing the statue of the Buddha symbolizes our aspiration, determination and effort to purify our body, speech and mind. Here are some pictures I took.

After lunch, we made our way to Phor Tay Temple where we also offered prayers and "bathed" a small statue of Lord Buddha. The altars at the temple had been beautifully decorated with flowers and were laden with many offerings from devotees.

In the evening, we were part of the thousands who turned up to watch the annual float procession. There were altogether 22 floats done by various Buddhist associations. The procession started from Pangkor Road where we waited.

This year, we hired a trishaw for Mum as it would be too long a walk for her, even though we usually stop at Pulau Tikus. The trishaw looked very comfy and I couldn't resist taking a ride in it, especially as I hadn't been in one for years! We were right at the rear of the procession and it was quite an enjoyable ride away from the crowd. Here are some pictures of the floats.

Little girls throwing flowers to the crowd

This Buddhist monk showers devotees with holy water as his float moves along.

The main float with a meditating Buddha

The procession turning into Burmah Lane. Silhouetted against the evening sky

is the stupa of the Thai Buddhist Temple.

Thus ended a colourful day of devotion and homage to Lord Buddha.