Vesak Day in Singapore

Dates

History & significance

Vesak Day is the holiest day in the Buddhist calendar, commemorating three events tradition places on the same full-moon day: the birth, enlightenment and passing (parinirvana) of Gautama Buddha. Because it follows the lunar calendar, the date shifts each year, usually falling in May. Vesak has been a gazetted public holiday in Singapore since 1955.

How it’s observed in Singapore

Temples such as Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery and the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple in Chinatown fill from dawn with devotees offering flowers, candles and incense. Common observances include bathing a statue of the infant Buddha in scented water, the 'three steps, one bow' procession as an act of humility and repentance, candlelight processions after dark, and dana (acts of giving) such as free vegetarian meals, blood-donation drives and charity. Many Buddhists keep a vegetarian diet for the day.

What's open and what's closed

Offices, banks and schools are closed and transport runs to a public-holiday schedule; malls and most shops stay open. The main disruption is around the large temples: expect crowds, full car parks and heavier traffic near Bright Hill (Kong Meng San) and in Chinatown from morning until late evening, so public transport is the easier way in.

Common questions