• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Go to Expat Living Hong Kong
Get our Newsletter

Lifestyle Guide To Moving To & Living in Singapore - Expat Living HomepageLifestyle Guide To Moving To & Living in Singapore - Expat Living

Moving to Singapore and not sure where to start? Expat Living is the essential lifestyle guide to living in Singapore.

Login Pelcro Shop

Menu
  • Living in Singapore
      • Living here
      • Property
      • Neighbourhood Guides
      • Work & Finance
        • Costa Rhu: Jyoti’s spacious & central Tanjong Rhu condo
        • Shop dress shoes for men in SingaporeDress shoes for men – finding the perfect pair in Singapore
        • living in singapore demographics expat living reader surveyEXPAT LIVING READER SURVEY 2023
        • Forex trading for beginnersHow to start forex trading in Singapore
      • View all
    Close
  • Things To Do
      • Things to do
      • EL Events
      • Calendar
      • Competitions
      • Noticeboard
        • VIP Glamourous Giving Sep 2023What’s on this week and beyond
        • Sailing Yacht Charter in SingaporeLuxury yacht rentals in Singapore
        • Where to watch the F1 2023 and party!
        • One Rishta - a website for happiness and culture in Singapore from Rituparna senguptaA new way to access creativity and culture in Singapore!
      • View all
    Close
  • Kids
      • Enrichment
      • Kids Things To Do
      • Mums & Babies
      • Schools
      • Tots & Toddlers
      • Tweens & Teens
        • Centre Stage performing arts and drama classes in SingaporeTop ballet, dance and drama classes in Singapore
        • agora colearning inclusive learning environmentThis new preschool has a personalised learning environment
        • learning journey community SASMaking the student learning journey exciting
        • Yellow Aliens mascotWhere to rent costumes for Halloween in Singapore & more!
      • View all
    Close
  • Homes
      • Furniture & Décor
      • Real Homes
        • Looking for the best outdoor furniture?
        • Where to buy antiques or vintage furniture – Reviews
        • Modern interior design with a touch of tradition!
        • Singapore home decor by Originals7 best furniture stores for home décor in Singapore
      • View all
    Close
  • Travel
      • Australasia
      • Rest Of The World
        • Indonesia travel - where to stay in BaliIndonesia travel – Where to stay in Bali & island resorts
        • Sailing Yacht Charter in SingaporeLuxury yacht rentals in Singapore
        • Beach Villas Wakatobi Indonesian island resort6 Reasons to Book These Beach Villas!
        • The Latest Travel News & Hotel Deals
      • View all
    Close
  • Wine & Dine
      • Asian Cuisine
      • Western Cuisine
      • Bars & Clubs
      • Groceries & Speciality Services
      • Recipes & Classes
        • Oktoberfest 2023 singapore - the places for food and beerHow to celebrate Oktoberfest 2023 in Singapore
        • Deviate wine bar in Dempsey Hill - we chat to owner Joe Keats of Petersons WinesThis Dempsey bar is a best-kept secret!
        • Crossroads cafe at Orchard - where to eat in Orchard Road - alfresco dining SingaporeTry alfresco dining & happy hour at this café at Orchard Road
        • The best birthday cakes in Singapore
      • View all
    Close
  • Style & Beauty
      • Fashion
      • Hair & Beauty
        • Shop dress shoes for men in SingaporeDress shoes for men – finding the perfect pair in Singapore
        • Six shades full set Bigen Men Beard ColorDye your beard like an expert – at home!
        • Tiffany Cook and Caroline Chin Geyler from T&C Gemstones and JewelleryBespoke jewellery created by a pair of gem lovers!
        • Try the best Spas in Singapore for some pampering!
      • View all
    Close
  • Health & Fitness
      • Dental
      • Fitness
      • Medical
      • Wellness
        • allergic rhinitis, allergy medication and insuranceFast facts about allergies, their symptoms and insurance
        • art therapy depression treatmentNavigating depression with Experiential Therapy
        • The best personal trainers and personal training gyms in SingaporeWhere to go for personal trainers in Singapore
        • Sport clubs in SingaporeWant to join a sports team?
      • View all
    Close
  • Shop
    • PRINT MAGAZINE
    • DIGITAL MAGAZINE
    • Close

5 facts about Vesak Day in Singapore

20th April 2022 by Cassilda Lee 2 Min Read

https://expatliving.sg/vesak-day-facts-buddhism-culture-singapore/

Vesak Day this year is on the 2nd of June – 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.

vesak day public holiday singapore

#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.

vesak day public holidays singapore

#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.

vesak day buddhist festival

#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!

 

Categories: Living here Living in Singapore Tags: Buddhism Culture And Tradition Living In Singapore Vesak Day

Cassilda Lee

Cassilda is constantly dreaming of desserts (or anything sweet really), but when she's not doing that, she loves watching movies and hanging out with friends. Travelling and fashion are also a huge loves so she's constantly reading up on them and looking forward to the next adventure!

You May Also Like

Costa Rhu: Jyoti’s spacious & central Tanjong Rhu condo

living in singapore demographics expat living reader survey

EXPAT LIVING READER SURVEY 2023

foreign exchange rates money transfer services

Money transfer services with great exchange rates!

Primary Sidebar

  • Competitions
  • Noticeboard
  • Subscribe
  • About
  • advertise
  • Contact
  • Privacy

© 2023 Expat Living Singapore, All Rights Reserved.