KUALA TERENGGANU: Over 1,000 ethnic Siamese and locals ushered in Wesak Day by celebrating the seventh Songkran water festival at Binjai Rendah, in Jalan Kuala Berang, Marang, today.
Event publicity chairman S. Jayabalan said the visitors from as far as southern Thailand, Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang gathered at the auspicious occasion.
"The governors of Thai provinces Narathiwat, Yala and Pattani, and the consul-general in Kota Baru Jackrid Kanjanasoon graced the festival organised by the Kuala Terengganu Loykrathong Association," he said.
Afater a welcoming reception, the event proceeded with prayers and a ground-breaking ceremony by Siamese Buddhist monks for a RM1.2 million multi-purpose hall in nearby in Jalan Tanggor, Wakaf Tapai.
“We have already secured a five-acre land for RM280,000 to construct the hall and are looking forward for public and corporate contributions. The facility will serve the local Siamese community as well as residents for their social activities,” said Jayabalan.
Jayabalan added that the monks and VIPs, including association president Ek Chan Thon and vice-president Yong Khai Seng, then officiated a blessing ceremony by pouring sacred water on senior citizens.
It was followed by a luncheon, music, dance and merry-making by spraying water to usher the festival.
Those wishing to contribute for the construction of the multi-purpose hall can contact Ek Chan at Tel: 019-9836137, Yong at Tel: 019-9835931 or Jayabalan at Tel: 012-9835585.