Wesak Day is considered to be very important for Buddhists around the world. On Wesak Day, Buddhists all over the world celebrate events of significance to Buddhists of all traditions: The birth, enlightenment and the passing away of Gautama Buddha. Celebrations and grand processions are also held here in most parts of Malaysia.
Seck Kia Eenh's colorful float of Wesak Day 2010 parade in Melaka
After our class at Seng Cheong Society of Heeren Street last Thursday we heard lots of voice from outside the building. It was Wesak Day on the next day so people were gathered and line the street to witness the grand procession of Wesak. Dylan and I knew that it was too late to leave the place as the street was already closed temporarily for the procession. Feeling excited and thrilled however, we took out our camera and joined in the crowds.
It wasn’t long waited when the Wesak parade arrived on Heeren Street where we were. The parade was spledid and grand as there were 15 colourful floats and a total of more than 40 Buddhist associations, schools, societies and clubs taking part. Each of these floats was nicely decoratingwith flowers and lights into patterns, and Buddhas were placed on the floats. The participants really put in a lot of effort in designing the floats.
Thousands of people witnessed the grand parade and showed respect to the Buddha. Hundreds of Buddhist devotees also walked the route with candles or flowers in their hands while various groups were chanting along the way or singing Buddhist songs. There were also reverends on the floats sprinkling blessing water to the crowds in the hope that people live a peaceful and happy life. In addition, marching bands from various schools in Melaka, lion and dragon dancers, Sri Lankan dancers were doing performances during the march which cheered up the public.
The whole parade was cheerful and lively yet the atmosphere was calm and peaceful. Routing through 5.5km of Melaka town’s busiest streets, Heeren Street was probably the last street the parade travelled before reaching the finishing line at the Seck Kia Eenh temple. We were lucky to be at Heeren Street and witness this grand event. Wishing everyone a happy belated Wesak Day and may all beings be happy.
Sharing some photos I took:
