GEORGE TOWN, May 2 — The Penang government will hold its state-level Wesak Day celebration from May 18 to May 22 with support from the Penang Harmony Centre and Malaysian Buddhist Association (MBA).

State Social Development, Welfare and Non-Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman Lim Siew Khim said the celebration at the MBA building is aimed at encouraging understanding and interactions between the various races and religions, besides being a religious festival.

"Malaysia is a country that celebrates racial and cultural diversity. As such, I believe that through a deeper understanding, we can build stronger friendships and trust, thus creating harmony among the people in line with the Penang2030 vision,” he told a media conference here today.

He said the five-day celebration would also involve associations from the three main streams of Buddhist teaching, namely Theravada, Mahayana and Vajrayana, as joint organisers and cooperation from various Buddhist associations statewide.

Themed "Living Harmoniously, Thriving Society”, this year’s celebration will also include an exhibition on life preservation and environmental protection and a recycled crafts workshop where participants will be taught to make candles, baskets and Decoupage items.

Wesak Day, on May 22, is celebrated by Buddhists to commemorate the birth, enlightenment and death of Siddharta Gautama, the founder of Buddhism. — Bernama