Vesak celebrations for Wat Ananda Youth (WAY) started on 25 April when we participated in the celebrations organised by the Singapore Buddhist Federation in Ngee Ann City, Orchard.  Together with other youth groups, we took up a booth to share the activities of WAY.

2 weeks later on 9 May, actual Vesak day, celebrations were held back in Wat Ananda Metyarama Temple.  While we were reminded of Cyclone Nargis as we celebrated Vesak last year, we were caught up with the swine flu situation this year.  Thankfully, the situation was under control and we were able to proceed with Vesak celebrations smoothly.

Devotees thronged the temple the whole day, some possibly hoping to receive blessings from the Sangha while others hoping to remind oneself of the significance of the day.  Two talks "A Special Person" by Bro Kweh Soon Han and "Survive from Tsunami in Life" by Dr Ang Beng Choo definitely enabled us to remind ourselves of the significance of the day and of the Teachings taught by Lord Buddha.

As night fell and the sky became dark, celebrations did not end immedilatey.  The temple premises was brightened up by the light emitted from the candles during the candlelight procession.  As we held the candles and circumambulate the temple compound, we wish that our path be free from darkness and our hearts and minds always be pure and bright. 

 Vesak Celebrations @ Orchard (Left) ; Vesak Celebrations in Wat Ananda Temple (Right)

 (L to R) : Meaningful acts : Compassion and generosity starts from young - donating towards the WAY community service project for the elderly; Devotees queuing on the steps to.... bath the baby Buddha statue, let's hope we can wash away our defilements with this act.

Volunteers arranging the flowers outside the shrine while Venerables give blessings inside the shrine.

Photo shoot with Venerable Chao Khun (right) and Venerable Maha Rian (left) as they make their rounds around the temple.

The Thai Royal Ambassador, his family and devotees waiting for the start of the candlelight procession.  Candlelight Procession led by Venerable Chao Khun, Chief Abbot of the temple