25,000 devotees expected to participate in Wesak Day float procession
KUALA LUMPUR: Over 25,000 devotees are expected to gather in Kuala Lumpur on Monday for the Wesak Day float procession, a four-hour event marking the Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and passing.
The procession, which begins at 6.30pm, will feature 20 to 25 decorated floats and will make its way from the Buddhist Maha Vihara in Jalan Berhala, Brickfields, through Jalan Sultan Abdul Samad, Jalan Tun Sambanthan, Jalan Petaling, Jalan Yap Ah Loy, Jalan Hang Lekiu, Jalan Gereja, Jalan Raja Chulan, Jalan P. Ramlee, back to Jalan Raja Chulan, Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, Jalan Tun Sambanthan, and Jalan Sultan Abdul Samad, before returning to Jalan Berhala.
Last year, the procession included Jalan Bukit Bintang, but the road has since become a one-way street.
To avoid going against traffic, organisers have adjusted the route accordingly.
The procession, involving over 100 monks and nuns from the Theravāda, Mahāyāna and Vajrayāna traditions, will include chanting, offerings and public blessings, alongside welfare efforts such as free food distribution and health initiatives, including blood donations and body donation pledges.
Malaysian Buddhist chief high priest Datuk K. Sri Dhammaratana Nayaka Maha Thera said modern distractions and societal shifts have diluted spiritual observance.
"Spiritual values are gradually fading in today's fast-paced world.
"It is now up to parents to reintroduce the teachings of the great masters to the younger generation, so they understand the deeper meaning of this sacred day, one of reflection, discipline and inner growth," said Dhammaratana.
Themed 'Foster True Compassion and Wisdom, Forge True Peace and Harmony', the celebration aims to rekindle devotion and deepen public awareness of Buddhism's roots and values.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke is expected to attend the celebration, along with other venerated monks from the Buddhist community.
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