Wesak Day

Wesak Day which is also known as Buddha Day, is a festival traditionally observed by Buddhists and some Hindus in Malaysia. The festival commemorates the birth, the enlightenment of the path to Buddhahood and the death of Gautama Buddha.

In Malaysia. Wesak day is celebrated during the full moon day in the month of May. If at that month, there will be two full moon day, Wesak day will be celebrated on the 1st full moon day.

During the celebration, the Buddhists devotees will gather in the temples before dawn to meditate on the Eight Precepts. There will also be the chanting of  sutras by monks in saffron robes.

Devotees may bring simple offerings of flowers, candles and joss-sticks to lay at the feet of the statue of the Buddha. These ritual symbolizes how life is temporary and nothing lasts forever. The  flowers would wither and the candles and the joss-sticks would burn out.

Devotees are encouraged to eat vegetarian food for the day and to refrain themselves from eating other living creatures. Birds, insects and animals are released by the thousands in what is known as a 'symbolic act of liberation'.

Image by: Cecilia, Lili, Patrik & Krisztian

Where To Go?

Almost every Buddhist temple in Kuala Lumpur observe Wesak Day. It is also a public holiday in Malaysia. The visitors can drop by to the nearest Buddhist temple in their area to experience the event.

Time

There is no specific date for Wesak day. However, it is celebrated at the first full moon day in the month of May.

Admission

There is no specified entrance fee charged by the temple.
However donation is very much welcomed.