Devotees Walk in Procession to Honor the Buddha's Birth in Kuala Lumpur

May 12, 2006

Source: The Star

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2006/5/12/nation/14226814&sec=nation

On May 12, 2006 The Star reported, "Around 1,000 devotees walked 7km in a procession along several major roads here to commemorate Wesak Day, the day of Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and death. The procession yesterday, organised by the Sri Lanka Buddhist Temple in Sentul, included five beautifully decorated and brightly lit floats. Four of them had statues of Buddha while one had two monks sprinkling blessed water on those joining the procession as well as on those watching by the side of the road. The procession began from the temple at 7:30 pm and proceeded along Jalan Sentul, Jalan Tun Razak and Jalan Pahang before returning to the temple at 10:30 pm. Devotees and monks from the temple had worked round the clock to complete the floats for the procession. Earlier, Sri Jayanti Association president Mervyn Weerasena said: 'The float is significant to Buddhists because it reminds us of the reason behind Wesak Day celebrations.' Wesak Day, which is celebrated today, is the most important day in the Buddhist Calendar. In Penang, monks prayed for world peace at a special ceremony while the Malaysian Buddhist Association forwarded donations to build 50 homes for tsunami victims in Sri Lanka. Buddhist monks from various traditions united for a special prayer session at the Mahindarama Buddhist Temple in Kampar Road on Wednesday night to promote world peace, happiness and harmony."