Are you wondering what Vesak Day is all about? Do you need to brush up on your knowledge of all things Buddha? We give you a quick guide to the most important day in the Buddhist calendar...
Get ready to celebrate Vesak Day, cherished by Buddhists worldwide, on Wednesday, 22 May this year! It’s a fantastic occasion commemorating the life-changing moments of Siddhartha Gautama Shakyamuni Buddha, aka Buddha, like his birth, enlightenment (Nirvana), and passing (Parinirvana). Even if you’re not part of the bustling Buddhist community in Singapore, uncovering the essence of this day and the history of Buddha promises some fascinating insights. Check out some facts and tales about Vesak Day and the Buddha! Plus, we share some family-friendly ways to observe this special day.
Celebrating Vesak Day 2024 in Singapore
1. Buddhism is the most followed religion in Singapore
Did you know that about a third of Singaporeans are Buddhists? Most are Chinese Mahayana Buddhists and on Vesak Day many visit temples for the “three-step, one-bow” ritual. Devotees move on their knees for two hours and bow deeply every third step. This practice purifies the body, mind, and speech. It’s a physically and mentally challenging ritual, symbolising that determination can overcome any difficulty. Their faith strengthens as they complete this journey and reinforces their path to enlightenment.
2. Vesak Day is the most significant holy day celebrated by Buddhists
Vesak Day is the most significant holy day celebrated by Buddhists, however the date varies worldwide depending on lunar calendars. Generally, it is celebrated according to the Western Gregorian calendar and usually falls in May, on the 15th day of the fourth month of the Chinese Lunar Calendar. However, it is celebrated on 8 April in China, Japan and Korea.
3. Vesak Day hasn’t always been a national public holiday
Vesak Day was finally awarded its place on the national public calendar in 1955. It has been one of the 11 public holidays we enjoy as a nation ever since. The Singapore Buddhist Association was the key player in petitioning for this public holiday after the end of World War II.
4. Some Vesak Day celebrations
One of the Theravada Buddhists’ (comprising mostly Singapore’s Burmese and Sri Lankan communities) celebrations for Vesak Day includes cooking a pot of rice in milk. This is meant to symbolise Buddha’s last meal before his long fast during his journey to enlightenment.
5. Releasing small animals as a mark of liberation
Traditionally, as part of the Vesak Day celebrations, caged birds and animals are released as a symbol of liberation. Recently, however, The National Parks Board and the Buddhist Fellowship advised against the practice as tame animals released into the wild are unlikely to survive (and if they do, there is a chance that this practice could upset Singapore’s natural ecosystem).
6. Giving Buddha a bath
You might have noticed some celebratory rituals, including offering a bath to Buddha as an idol. Legend has it that when Buddha was born, gods and spirits celebrated by showering him with sacred waters from the sky. On Vesak Day, this celestial event is beautifully re-enacted in temples. Altars are adorned with statues of the infant Buddha, and basins are brimming with water and flowers. Devotees gather to ‘bathe’ the statues with scented water, symbolically washing away bad karma and honouring Buddha’s divine beginnings.
7. Anyone can celebrate Vesak Day
You don’t have to be Buddhist to celebrate Vesak Day! Buddhists practise dana, the belief that doing a good deed on Vesak Day will give personal merit multiplied several times over (call it collecting karma if you like). It’s the perfect time to volunteer for a worthy cause or donate some of your old belongings.
Vesak Day 2024 in Singapore: Some facts about the Buddha
1. What does Buddha’s name mean?
His name translates to ‘awakened one’ (sometimes ‘enlightened one’).
2. A brief history of Buddha
Buddha was born a royal prince, Prince Siddhartha, around 563BC. His mother was Queen Mayadevi (who sadly died seven days after the young prince’s birth), and his father was King Suddhodana. The royal family were leaders of the Shakya clan and ruled the Indian kingdom of Kosala (now modern-day Uttar Pradesh).
3. How did Buddha achieve enlightenment?
When he was 29, Prince Siddhartha vowed to sit under a fig tree and meditate until he transcended suffering. He then endured a seven-day mental battle with Mara, the god of desire (who used all his wily tricks to lure Siddhartha away from his meditation), before becoming awakened and forevermore known as the Buddha.
4. What did Buddha do after that?
Buddha taught and travelled until his death at the grand old age of 80. “All component things in the world are changeable. They are not lasting. Work hard to gain your own salvation” was his last message to his followers.
5. The difference between Buddha and Budai
Those not in the know often get The Buddha (Siddharta Gautama Shakyamuni Buddha) confused with the jolly, fat Laughing Budai (Maitreya). The happy, rotund Budai was a Chinese monk (given name Qieci, which means ‘promise this’) and is often identified as Maitreya (future Buddha). Chinese folklore associates Budai with contentment as he was a man who was happy and loving to everybody (and was rather fond of sweets!).
Vesak Day 2024 in Singapore: Family-friendly things to do
1. Head to a Buddhist temple in Singapore
Buddhist temples in Singapore will be buzzing on Vesak Day! For a taste of the festivities, head to Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery or the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum. Established in the 1920s, this hillside complex boasts classic Chinese architecture. There are serene gardens, a tortoise pool, a crematorium, and a majestic bell and drum tower.
Perfect for the 3-step, 1-bow ceremony, where devotees chant mantras at sunrise to purify the mind and humble the ego. Enjoy other activities like bathing the statue of Prince Siddhartha and the Thousand Buddha Ceremony. lotus lamp offerings, a vegetarian food fair, and mindfulness workshops. Over at the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum, Vesak Day celebrations include blessings and lamp offerings.
Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery, 88 Bright Hill Road, Singapore 574117
Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum, 288 South Bridge Road, Singapore 058840
2. Donate items to those in need
How about spending the day giving back to society and donating your gently used goods to charity? This is a great way to improve the lives of others and help with minimising waste!
3. Volunteer with the family
It is a great time to teach your kids to think of others and to try volunteering. Read our guide to worthy local organisations and charities in Singapore.
4. Head over to a People’s Association event in your neighbourhood
Looking for festivities closer to your ‘hood? Check out the various People’s Association events that are available and try a temple tour or a community workout!
May all beings be well!
