Source: The Star

http://thestaronline.com/news/story.asp?file=/2007/5/2/north/17604227&sec=North

HANDS in prayer, thousands of devotees thronged the temples and Buddhist associations in Penang bearing Wesak Day offerings of lotus candles, flowers and incense.

At the Malaysian Buddhist Association (MBA) in Burmah Road, a steady stream of devotees queued up to bathe the Buddha statue as an act of respect and purification of oneself.

Penang O’Hara Floral Art Society president Chin Lee Siew, 63, who was adding the finishing touches to the MBA float, said every year, the association would come up with creative ways to make the float special.

“This is the first year we are adding exotic heliconia flowers to the float. An association member donated about 500 stalks worth RM5,000. The donor wanted to offer flowers that were unique to tropical climates,” she said, adding that the float was decorated with about RM50,000 worth of flowers.