1. 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.