Diverse crowd at Thai Buddhist Chetawan Temple in PJ

New Straits Times

12-05-2025

PETALING JAYA: A diverse crowd of devotees and visitors flocked to the Thai Buddhist Chetawan Temple here today to observe Wesak Day.
Visitors and devotees arrived at the temple grounds as early as 6 am.
Devotees performed various rituals and prayers, such as lighting oil lamps, offering joss sticks and bathing Buddha statues to commemorate the birth, enlightenment and death of Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism.
Special needs teacher Ratha Nadaraj said she had been observing Wesak Day at the temple for over 12 years.
"As a Hindu, I can relate to Buddha's teachings, which is why I chose to come to the temple today," she said.
She added that participating in the day's rituals enriched her understanding of Malaysia's religious diversity.
Secretary Susan Thomas, who visited the temple for the first time today, was amazed by the various rituals being performed.
"Usually, we only see the ceremonies from outside the temples. But today, we got to experience it firsthand — and it's very beautiful.
"Every religion is beautiful, and I wanted my son and me to experience and celebrate the different traditions each religion offers," she said.
Suriya Sun Nguan, a committee member of the Thai language school, was managing a food stall to help raise funds for the temple today.
"Wesak Day means a lot to me as I am a Buddhist. My favourite part of the celebration is lighting oil lamps, which symbolises hope and a brighter future," she said.
As the day progressed, more visitors arrived at the temple, eager to take part in the rituals and pray for peace and prosperity.
Head monk and temple manager Phrakru Siribhodhivides estimated that more 10,000 people had visited the temple during the first two days of the festival, with more expected to attend the evening's float procession.
"Today marks an important occasion for all Buddhists in remembrance of Lord Buddha.
"As one of the largest Thai Buddhist temples in Selangor, we take pride in our unique Thai cultural decorations, which sets us apart from other Buddhist temples," he said.
He expressed hope that future Wesak Day processions would become even more grand and meaningful.
Temple secretary and committee member Dato Sa Wai @ Boon Chock said there growing interest in the temple's traditions from people of all backgrounds.
"More devotees from different religions and racial backgrounds are coming to the temple and joining the celebrations.
"This indirectly promotes intercultural communication," he said.
He also noted a rise in participation among younger devotees.
"Besides the older generation, more and more young people are coming to pay their respects and take part in the rituals.
"Engaging the younger generation in these traditions helps them become more conscious of their faith and benefit from its positive values in their daily lives," he said.
Built in 1957, prior to Malaysia's independence, the Thai Buddhist Chetawan Temple was established on land donated by the Malayan government and later officiated by the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand.
A focal point of the temple's celebrations will be a grand chariot that will circle the temple three times.