GEORGETOWN, May 9 – The 4th Penang Wesak Celebration Day was which opening by Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng was held at Malaysians Buddhist Association this morning. The event was organised by Malaysians Buddhist Association to gather with the Buddhist temples and organisations of Penang.
The Penang State Government initiated-and-sponsored event was first held in 2012. Besides letting everyone participate in celebrating Buddha’s day and to introduce the orthodox Buddhism, the celebration also aims to provide a platform of exchange between religions, in order to promote unity and tolerance.
The celebration this year shares the same theme as Malaysian Buddhist Association’s Wesak theme, namely “Unite People Harmoniously, Uphold Country, People and Buddhism,” to express the wish of Malaysian Buddhist Association for peaceful country, united people and long-lasting Dharma.
The celebration has readied a variety of interesting activities for everyone to enjoy: bathing of Buddha’s statues, offering of lights, exhibition of Buddha’s statues, introduction to Buddhist activities and organisations in Penang, offering monks, performance, “Lofe of Buddha” musical, book fair, sutra calligraphy and free health screening.
Exhibition of Buddha’s statutes assembled statues from different traditions, to show the intricacy and skill of Buddhist arts, and to let every visitors appreciate the spirit and meaning of each statue. Introduction to Buddhist activities and organisations in Penang will explain the growth of Buddhism in Penang, and aim to acquaint visitors with the Buddhist organisations around the state.
Offering of monks was started at this morning 10am which is for everyone to offer the rice, and follow with chanting at 11am. Performances will be present various acts from the Buddhist organisations. “Life of Buddha” musical drama was be shown during opening ceremony to tell the story of Buddha using songs, dance and sketches.
Book fair will bring together Malaysian Buddhist Association, Fo Guang Shan Penang, Young Buddhist Association of Malaysia’s Buddhist Digest, Pu Ai Community to display Buddhist publications and periodicals. Sutra calligraphy will feature the way to practice calligraphy, with calligraphers demonstrating live. Last but not least, Tzu-Chi Merit Society will put on free health screening, to offer basic health screening and advice.
