KUALA LUMPUR: From reciting the Sutras and bathing of the Buddha statue to lighting candles, Buddhists in Malaysia have adopted a new way of celebrating Wesak Day.
With the Movement Control Order (MCO) still ongoing, all social and religious gatherings are strictly prohibited and many Buddhist temples and associations in the country have opted for a virtual celebration, which includes lighting of e-lamps.
Lim Boon Hee, 48, the chairman of the Rawang Buddhist Association in Jalan Maxwell, Rawang, said that the association had taken a different approach in celebrating the event, which commemorates the birth, enlightenment and death of Gautama Buddha.
By embracing the new normal and introducing e-Wesak, Lim and his team had been working round the clock to plan a number of activities, which were streamed online on the association's Facebook page.
"The youth section of our association have been planning the whole event since news of the MCO extension breaks out. Although this is our first time doing a live e-Wesak celebration, the youths have shown great interest and creativity in their work," said Lim.
He added that the association had also introduced the e-lamp offering to replace the traditional candle lights. "It is open to the public to participate. Those interested can sign up through our Facebook page," he said.
Meanwhile, in Wat Chetawan, a Thai Buddhist temple based in Jalan Gasing, Petaling Jaya, Phra Maha Amnoi, 34, said that although the temple was closed to the public, the celebration was limited to the monks living in the temple.
"Our temple associates have made it clear that there will be no celebration this year involving the public due to Covid-19 pandemic," he said.
A check by NST earlier revealed a quiet atmosphere, a jarring comparison to the previous years' celebration, where devotees packed the roads leading to the temple.
The temple was devoid of any activity outside, where not even a single flower stall was set up outside the temple gates.
The four loudspeakers in the main prayer hall broadcast the monks' prayers. A computer with a microphone was set up against the wall, where a monk was seated, facing the huge Buddha statue draped in golden robe.
On their official Facebook page, Wat Chetawan livestreamed the prayers for the benefit of those watching from their homes.
Kechara Forest Retreat had also launched the Stay Home Wesak celebration, which was streamed live from their centre in Bentong Town, Pahang.
A spokesperson from Kechara said that due to the MCO, they will observe the important event in Buddhist calendar online.
During the day-long event, the centre managed a live Dharma sharing session (in both English and Mandarin) by its Pastors, bathing and making offerings to Buddha.
In Chee Wan San Temple along Jalan Sungai Besi, the Venerable Master Guo Hua, who was also the temple caretaker said that the temple remained closed to the public.
"We're adhering to the SOP of no religious gathering for the time being. Some of the monks who are living in the temple will be offering their prayers in the morning and will continue until late afternoon. Times are different now, so we need to adapt to changes," said Master Guo Hua.
Established in 1922, the temple also housed a columbarium and many sections of different prayer halls. Since the temple was off limit to the public, Master Guo Hua said he had prepared some vegetarian dishes to be offered to the Buddhist altar as well as prayers to the departed.