Wesak Day
Wesak Day which is also known as Buddha Day, is a festival traditionally observed by Buddhists and some Hindus in Melaka. The festival commemorates the birth, the enlightenment of the path to Buddhahood and the death of Gautama Buddha.
During the celebration, the Buddhists devotees will gather in the temples before dawn to meditate on the Eight Precepts. There will also be some sutras chanted 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.
Devotees are encouraged to eat vegetarian food for the day and 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: Priya Mahendran
Where To Go?
Almost every Buddhist temple in Melaka observe Wesak Day. Just visit the nearby Buddhist temples near the area.
Time
It is often 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.