
In Malaysia, Wesak is an annual national holiday since 1962.
At Chetawan Temple in Petaling Jaya, throngs of devotees come in through the high gates to donate money and seek enlightenment from Buddha's teachings.
Some drive up in big and expensive cars while others come in motorcycles. Mostly, just walk in.
In the midst of pre-recorded sanskrit chantings (suttas) of 'the middle path' blaring out of loudspeakers, devotees silently give thanks and pray for peace in the presence of orange-robed monks.
They light up oil lamps (fueled by palm cooking oil) as a symbolic gesture of seeking enlightenment to overcome the darkness of ignorance.
Happy Wesak Day!