KUALA LUMPUR: Over RM100,000 was spent for the Wesak Day celebrations at the Buddhist Maha Vihara Temple in Brickfields.
Its honorary secretary, Tilak Leslie, stated that they received numerous sponsorships from their devotees this year.
Therefore, the temple hope to receive sponsorship for the 7000 oil lamps for the candlelight events along with a float procession and blood donation campaigns.
"The preparation started two days ago, with some of the monks here in charge of making blessed strings.
"We also set up tents for the free food and drink counters, as well as for the food stalls in front of the temple," he added.
He said that even though Wesak falls on a weekday this year, he was still hoping for many people to come and celebrate.
"The celebration is not only for Buddhists in Malaysia, but also for those from Nepal, Bangladesh, Thailand, and Myanmar.
"They will also join the 12km float procession, which will start from the temple and pass through 11 areas, including Jalan Sultan Abdul Samad, Jalan Tun Sambanthan, Jalan Bukit Bintang, and Jalan Pudu."
When New Straits Times reporters visited the temple, about 162 lanterns were already hanging around the area.
"We always see Wesak as a day where we organise a lot of charity programmes. So, we are expecting a large number of visitors to come and learn about our religion, as well as enjoy it as much as we do," Tilak said.
Wesak Day is revered as a sacred day symbolising three pivotal events in the life of Siddhartha Gautama Buddha, offering guidance and inspiration to believers.