By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, May 11: Tonight, the streets of Kuching came alive with the colourful spectacle of the Wesak Day Parade, a celebration that showcased the city’s rich cultural heritage and spiritual diversity.
Despite the earlier heavy downpour, the weather took a serendipitous turn, gracing the event with a cooling breeze and a breathtaking double rainbow at sunset, adding an ethereal touch to the festivities.
“The theme for this year’s celebration, ‘Living Harmoniously, Thriving Society’, emphasises the value of communal unity and societal prosperity.
“Today marks the commemoration of Buddha’s 2568th birthday,” Deputy Premier of Sarawak Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian stated in his speech before officiating the 2024 Wesak Day Parade tonight at the Kuching South City Council (MBKS) grounds.
Dr Sim led the parade after officiating it, which included an impressive lineup of 53 contingents totaling approximately 5,000 participants.
The parade commenced its journey from the MBKS grounds, weaving through the heart of the city along a carefully planned route that included Jalan Padungan, Bulatan Sri Aman (Padungan roundabout), Jalan Ban Hock, Jalan Ban Hock/Jalan Song Thian Cheok traffic light intersection, Ban Hock Road roundabout, Jalan Tabuan, Jalan Tabuan/Jalan McDougall traffic light intersection, Lebuh Wayang, Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, Jalan Chan Chin Ann, Jalan Padungan and Jalan Padungan traffic light intersection, before returning to MBKS.
Along the route, spectators lined the streets, eagerly absorbing the spectacle unfolding before them.
For the participants, the parade was more than just a procession; it was a deeply personal expression of devotion and reverence. From the intricate costumes to the meticulously crafted floats, each element bore testament to the profound spiritual significance of Wesak Day.
As the night drew to a close and the last echoes of the procession faded into the distance, Kuching stood illuminated, not just by the glow of streetlights but by the collective spirit of unity and reverence that permeated the city. — DayakDaily
