It is very common for Buddhists in Malaysia who are mainly Chinese to assume that Wesak Day falls on the 15th day of the 4th lunar month of the Chinese calendar. However, this is not always true. According to the resolution adopted by the World Buddhists Conference in 1950 in Sri Lanka, Wesak Day shall be celebrated on the full moon day in the month of May. As a matter of fact, certain years in the past have seen Wesak Day being celebrated on the 15th day of the 3rd lunar month of the Chinese calendar, such as in 2004.
The confusion that arises for this year, however, is due to the occurrence of two full moon days in May, i.e. 1 May and 31 May. 1 May is the 15th day of the 3rd lunar month while 31 May is the 15th day of the 4th lunar month. Many people have claimed that the government has wrongly gazetted 1 May as the public holiday for Wesak. However, the Malaysia Buddhists Association (MBA) as well as a spokesman from Buddhist Mahavihara in Brickfields have confirmed that the correct date for celebrating Wesak is on 1 May.
Having Wesak Day on 1 May will also mean two public holidays falling on 1 May, the other being Labor Day. Hence, 2 May shall be a holiday to replace it.
Anyway, Happy Wesak Day and Happy Labor Day to everyone.
Tue 1 May 2007 10:25
Its often been on 31st. May & the public is used to that day. Maybe they dont want it to mixed with Labor Day since its special to them for those who are Buddhist. Before I sign off here, I would like to says, Wesak Day is always a special day for me.
Tue 1 May 2007 10:52
Happy Wesak Day to you.
While in Malaysia, Wesak day is observed today with many celebration events held at temples and Buddhist associations nationwide, I came to know that in Singapore it will be celebrated on 31 May instead.