KUALA LUMPUR: Devotees, visitors and tourists converged at the 125-year-old Maha Vihara Buddhist Temple in Brickfields today to celebrate Wesak Day.
This auspicious day commemorates the birth of Gautama Buddha, his attainment of enlightenment as well as his death.
Many devotees at the temple were offering their respective prayers and contemplated in silence to pay homage to Lord Buddha.
They also took the opportunity to light oil lamps and candles to symbolise the light in the lives of the devotees as well as chase away darkness and evil.
Angie Ng, a devotee, said she and her family visit the temple annually to pray and receive blessings.
"It is important to remember this day because it is significant to Buddhists. This year I am praying for good health and peace for my family," said the 65-year-old.
Another devotee and volunteer, Felice Chong, 42 who has been going to the temple for the past five years said today was a special day not only to recognise Buddha but to give back to society regardless of religion.
"We live in a harmonious country where we celebrate every festival together not looking at race and religion, so it is good to serve everyone here with an open heart.
"I hope that we can all work together without looking at each others' race or religion and I pray for a better Malaysia as well as world peace," she said.
Wesak Day this year was a little different at the temple as the booths selling food and drinks, clothes and religious items were moved outside the temple grounds giving more space for devotees and visitors.
Religious chants and hymns from the temple could be heard from loud speakers.
Phoebe Lebrecht, 28 a tourist from London, said Wesak Day was something new to her and she was keen to learn more about the temple and the celebrations.
"I have not heard of this celebration before. Being here makes me feel calm and peaceful. The people are very welcoming and the place looks colourful, she said.
Another tourist Jacob Mange, 26, said that he only knew bare facts about Wesak but was willing to learn about the celebration from a cultural perspective.
"I have been traveling around Southeast Asia for a while now so I know a little bit about Wesak Da. I like to learn about culture so to be here today, to witness this celebration, makes me very happy," said the tourist from Georgia, United States.
The highlight of Wesak day will be the candlelight and float procession at 7pm today where floats from different temples gather together at the temple for a 12km procession around Kuala Lumpur. It is expected to last some four hours.