Dazzling floats brighten parade

The Star

17-05-2025

THIS year's Wesak Day procession in Penang was a spectacle for the senses, featuring a series of performances and floats adorned with thousands of flowers.
There were also a glistening Bodhi tree, towering inflatable Buddha statues and a LED screen displaying the story of Buddha.
Devotees followed with flowers in hand, offering prayers as the floats paused every few metres along the route in George Town.
Children were seen singing and wishing onlookers a Happy Wesak Day, while monks chanted prayers.
Walking behind one of the floats was Ong Chin Chai, 56, who was spotted pushing his three dogs in a stroller.
Ong stood out among the parade participants as his two poodles and a Pomeranian were seen enjoying their evening.
'Every year, I go to pray during Wesak Day, but this is my first time following the procession,' said Ong.
Ang (right) with his wife and children checking outone of the floats.
'This year I want to give thanks for the blessings in my life, and decided to walk the entire length of the procession.
'I am used to taking my dogs out and wanted them to experience the celebration this year as well. They enjoy it and do not mind the loud music and chanting,' said the e-hailing driver.
Yeoh Ban Aik, 46, who runs a cafe, said while he could not walk the entire stretch, he wanted his children to experience seeing the different types of floats every year.
'We make it a point to come pray and then I take my kids to walk around and see the floats before the start of the procession.
'My children are now nine and four, and perhaps when they are older we will walk with the floats,' he said.
'It is important to educate the young ones about Buddha's teachings and it's nice to do so during a celebration,' Yeoh added.
Manager Ang Wei Cheng, 40, drove over from mainland Penang to the island to see the Wesak procession.
'This year I thought it would be nice for my three children to see the procession. We sat by the roadside and watched it together,' he said.
Devotees from Buddhist Triple Wisdom Hall taking part in the float procession.
Ang said as a Buddhist, he observed being vegetarian on Wesak Day.
'It is not a new year or festival for us; rather it is a time to celebrate Buddha's life and teachings.
'It is nice that the floats in many ways depict his life's story,' he said.
The Wesak Day procession began at 6.30pm from Malaysian Buddhist Association (MBA) in Burma Road.
Themed 'Foster True Compassion and Wisdom, Forge True Peace and Harmony', this year's celebration featured over 20 floats in the grand parade.
The parade has been organised by the Penang Wesak Celebrations committee since 1949.
The ornately decorated floats from various associations and temples, all depicting Buddha, followed a 7km route starting and ending at the MBA building.
The procession moved along Kelawei Road and Burma Lane, where the Burmese Buddhist Temple and the Siamese Reclining Buddha Temple are located.
The route continued onto another stretch of Burma Road, followed by Peel Avenue, Macalister Road, Perak Road and Anson Road before returning to MBA after dark.
SMJK Phor Tay students putting on a drum performance during the celebration.
Penang Wesak Day Celebrations committee chairman Datuk Dr Loh Hock Hun said this year marked the 2,569th commemoration of the Thrice Blessed Day of Gautama Buddha, honouring his birth, enlightenment and attainment of Mahaparinirvana.
He said the celebration was an opportunity to unite a community in faith.
'I hope that mutual respect would be practised among all individuals, as it is the foundation of national harmony,' he said.
Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who was the guest of honour, said the annual float procession, rich in spiritual and cultural symbolism, continued to reflect Penang's vibrant multicultural harmony and shared values.
'Each year during Wesak, beautifully decorated floats parade through the streets, with devotees offering prayers in reverence.
'These celebrations attract people of all ethnicities and visitors, making it not only a religious observance but a vibrant display of unity and harmony,' he said.