5 facts about Vesak Day in Singapore

Vesak Day this year is on the 15th of May – in case you’re not entirely certain why you’re getting another public holiday in Singapore! Here are some facts and figures about this prominent Buddhist festival.

#1 Vesak Day is the most important day in the Buddhist calendar

Vesak Day celebrates three major events in the Buddha’s life: his birth, enlightenment (nirvana) and death (parinirvana). The day is honoured by temple visits, vegetarian meals and various offerings. Depending on the calendar you follow and your location, the date varies every year. In 2022, Vesak Day falls on the 6th of May in Singapore; it’s the only Buddhist celebration among the public holidays.

#2 There are different branches of Buddhism

Theravada, Mahayana and Vajrayana are the three main branches of the religion. Theravada Buddhism is said to be the closest to the original Indian form of Buddhism; it’s practised in countries such as Sri Lanka, Thailand and Burma. In Singapore, Mahayana is most practised by Chinese Buddhists, followed by Theravada, practised by the Burmese and also the Sri Lankan community.

#3 Practices and rituals may vary

Depending on the branch they follow, devotees celebrate Vesak Day slightly differently. Mahayana Buddhists practise the “three-step, one-bow” ritual, bowing or prostrating every three steps as they go around the perimeter of the temple. Theravada Buddhist celebrations include cooking a milk rice pudding to symbolise Buddha’s last meal before his fasting period to attain Enlightenment.

Many Buddhists here organise blood donations at hospitals, visit people on old age homes and also distribute gifts to the needy.

#4 Vesak Day was not always a public holiday

The day was only made an official break from the working calendar in 1955. This followed petitions by the Singapore Buddhist Association after World War II.

#5 You don’t have to be Buddhist to join the celebrations

Experience this significant day by heading to Phor Kark See Temple and viewing a candlelight procession through the city as devotees pray for peace and blessings. Another interesting location to try is the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple & Museum; located in Chinatown, the temple is perfect for visiting after trying delicious local fare at the adjoining Chinatown Food Centre.

Haven’t decided what you’re doing for the weekend? Take a look at our Things to Do section!