Kuala Lumpur: This year’s Wesak Day celebration was marked with vibrant gatherings as Buddhist devotees filled temples nationwide to observe religious rites. In the capital, worshippers began arriving at the iconic Buddhist Maha Vihara Temple in Brickfields from 8 am to commemorate the birth, enlightenment, and passing of Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the celebration also attracted local visitors and foreign tourists eager to experience the occasion and understand Buddhist traditions better. Among them was M. Rajan, 45, a Hindu, who attended the event to honor his Buddhist friends and learn about their beliefs. He emphasized the importance of respecting different faiths in Malaysia’s multicultural society.

Filipino tourist Jonathan Reyes expressed his appreciation for the peaceful and respectful atmosphere, noting his greater understanding of Malaysia’s spiritual diversity. In Selangor, the Fo Guang Shan Dong Zen Temple in Jenjarom, Kuala Langat, was a main destination for thousands of Buddhists. Temple manager Miao Yue reported an estimated 30,000 devotees since last Saturday, engaging in religious ceremonies marking Siddhartha Gautama’s significant life events.

In Perak, the Enlightened Heart Tibetan Buddhist Temple in Tambun witnessed thousands of devotees performing rituals alongside foreign tourists. Wat Siribunya Maggarama in Ipoh was similarly crowded with devotees bringing flower bouquets and necessities for donation. In Penang, temples like Wat Chaiya Mangalaram and Kek Lok Si were bustling with visitors participating in religious rituals early in the morning.

Perlis saw enthusiastic celebrations at the Perlis Buddhist Society building in Kangar, where thousands joined in ceremonies led by monks. Society chairman Tan Chan Sin mentioned a float procession planned for later to enhance the celebrations.

In Sarawak, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian and Kuching South Mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng attended the Wesak Day celebration at the Sarawak Buddhist Association building. In Kelantan, Wat Prachumthat Chanaram in Tumpat served as a focal point for national devotees. The temple, with a history of over 40 years of celebrations, organized activities like flower offerings and candlelight walks. Committee member Thom Ija noted that nearly 200 devotees had gathered since the previous night to participate in rituals.

A visitor from Selangor, Kok, 69, shared his annual pilgrimage experience, drawn by the temple’s serene atmosphere and the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, by visiting several other temples in the area.