Are you wondering what Vesak Day is all about? Cherished by Buddhists worldwide, it celebrates the birth, enlightenment and death of Siddhartha Gautama Shakyamuni Buddha, aka Buddha.
Photo Credit: Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum 佛牙寺 / Facebook
Vesak Day 2025 falls on 12 May 2025, Mon. It is one of the most important days on the Buddhist calendar, commemorating the birth, enlightenment and attainment of nirvana of Gautama Buddha. It is where devotees reflect on his teaching, and to spread goodwill.
Vesak Day is a public holiday in Singapore, and you may be looking for things to do on Vesak Day with the family. Read on to find some ideas for you.
- What is Vesak Day?
- Significance of Vesak Day
- How is Vesak Day Celebrated?
- When is Vesak Day?
- Events happening on Vesak Day
What is Vesak Day?
Photo Credits: Thekchen Choling Singapore / Facebook
Vesak Day, also known as Buddha Jayanti, Buddha Purnima, or Buddha Day, is a significant Buddhist festival celebrated by Buddhists worldwide. It commemorates three key events in the life of Siddhartha Gautama, the historical Buddha: his birth, his enlightenment (Nirvana), and his passing away (Parinirvana). These three events are traditionally believed to have occurred on the same full moon day in different years.
The Significance of Vesak Day
- Commemoration: It is the most important Buddhist festival, honoring the founder of Buddhism.
- Reflection: It's a time for Buddhists and non-Buddhists to reflect on the Buddha's teachings of compassion, kindness, and humility.
- Spiritual Growth: Devotees engage in acts of generosity, merit-making, and spiritual practices aimed at purifying the mind and body.
- Unity: It is a time for Buddhist communities to come together in peace and reflection
How is Vesak Day Celebrated?
- Temple Visits: Buddhists gather at temples for prayers, chanting of mantras, and offerings of flowers, candles, and incense.
- Bathing the Buddha: A symbolic ritual of pouring water over a statue of the infant Buddha, representing purification and the legend of celestial beings showering the newborn Buddha.
- Vegetarian Meals: Many Buddhists observe a vegetarian diet on this day as an act of compassion for all living beings.
- Acts of Charity: Performing good deeds, such as donating to the needy, volunteering, and releasing animals (though the latter practice is becoming less common due to environmental concerns).
- Candlelight Processions: In the evening, devotees may participate in processions carrying candles, symbolizing the spread of the Buddha's teachings and the dispelling of darkness.
- Special Ceremonies: Different Buddhist traditions may have unique rituals, such as the "three-step, one-bow" ritual practiced by some Mahayana Buddhists in Singapore or the cooking of milk rice by Theravada Buddhists.
- Decorations: Temples and homes are often adorned with Buddhist flags, flowers, and lanterns.
When is Vesak Day?
The date of Vesak Day varies each year as it is based on the lunar calendar, typically falling in April or May.
Events for Families on Vesak Day
Being a public holiday, you may wish to know what to do on Vesak Day. Do note that this is a general list of things to do, and events listed may not necessarily be directly linked to Vesak Day celebrations.
1. Visit a Buddhist Temple
Photo Credits: Lian Shan Shuang Lin Monastery 蓮山雙林禪寺 / Facebook
Buddhist Temples will be filled with activity and excitement as they welcome devotees on this special day. Many prominent temples will hold special Vesak Day events that are open to public too.
While not every event is geared towards being family-friendly, it will be an eye-opening experience to bring the kids to visit a temple during this time and to educate them about this special day. Here's a list of temples you may wish to consider visiting.
Do keep an eye on the websites or social media pages for more details.
- Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery (Bright Hill Road)
- Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum (Chinatown)
- Lian Shan Shuang Lin Monastery (Toa Payoh)
- Burmese Buddhist Temple (Geylang)
- Sri Lankaramaya Buddhist Temple (St. Michael's Road)
- Wat Ananda Metyarama Thai Buddhist Temple (Kim Keat Road)
- Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple (Waterloo Street)
- Sakya Muni Buddha Gaya Temple (Race Course Road)
2. Donate Items to the Needy
As a day to spread joy and giving back to the society, why not spend time with your kids to pack up items that are no longer used at home, and donate them to someone who can use them instead?
Here's a list of places to donate your items, including clothes, toys, books and more!
3. Volunteering with Your Kids
Source: Trash Hero Singapore
It is also a great time to teach your kids about empathy and compassion, and to try volunteering too. There are usually Vesak Day specific volunteer opportunities, or check out this list of places that you can volunteer at.
4. Attend a Vesak Day Event
Photo Credits: Thekchen Choling Singapore / Facebook
Below are some Vesak Day events that we found online that might be suitable for families to visit. Do visit the respective websites for the most updated information.
- Vesak Day Tour 2025: Organized by Margaret Drive RN, this tour will visit various temples, with a meeting point at 33A Margaret Drive. Registration is required.
- Vesak Day Temple Tour with Bottle Tree: Cheng San Bottle Tree RN is organizing a temple tour, visiting Dharma Chakra Society, Loyang Tua Pek Kong, and Billion Light Buddha Buddhist Society. A vegetarian lunch is provided.
- Vesak Prayer Festival: Organised by Thekchen Choling, celebrate Our Joyous Vesak at the open field next to Serangoon MRT with a lively 3-day festival filled with meaningful activities for all. There will also be a Giant Wish-Fulfilling Shakyamuni Buddha Thangka and a Animal Blessing Ceremony too.
5. Our Joyous Vesak
Venue: Open Field beside NEX Mall
Dates: 10 - 12 May 2025
Admission: Free
Building on the information above, we want to share more about Our Joyour Vesak.
This 3-day free community celebrations happens from 10 to 12 May 2025 at the Open Field beside NEX Mall (Serangoon MRT, Exit F). It is organised by Thekchen Choling, a Buddhist temple in Singapore, the event blends tradition with child-friendly experiences, making Vesak more accessible and enjoyable for the whole family.
Families can expect
- A Happy Vibes Zone filled with carnival games, rides, tasty bites and IG-worthy photo spots
- A special Vesak animal blessing, where kids can bring their pets to receive gentle blessings from Venerable Sanghas
- The rare unveiling of the Giant Wish-Fulfilling Thangka, a massive and vibrant sacred artwork
- A 16-foot replica of the Bodhgaya Stupa, offering a fun way for children to explore spiritual culture
- A peaceful Wisdom Mind Illumination Walk, with LED candles and sacred texts, great for winding down in the evening
There will also be Dharma activities, merit-making stations, animal welfare booths, and SG60-themed activities, all set up to celebrate light, love, and joy in a warm, inclusive environment!
6. Celebrate Vesak Day with Yummy Vegan & Vegetarian Eats
This might be the chance to show kids that trying new foods (yes, even the green ones!) can be fun, surprising, and seriously yummy! Here's a list of vegan and vegetarian options that you can consider
- Flavours by Sauté brings a modern twist to vegetarian and vegan dining, offering a cosy space where families and friends can enjoy wholesome, meat-free meals together.
- Gong Yuan Ma La Tang offers a fresh take on Ma La cuisine, blending authentic flavours with a variety of soup bases to suit different dietary preferences.
- Greendot serves up a delicious lineup of plant-based favourites that prove going meat-free still comes with plenty of options
- Sufood, a popular vegetarian spot from Taiwan, is known for its creative and delicious plant-based dishes, made with fresh fruits, greens, and healthy cooking methods
7. Catch the Blooming Tulips at Tulipmania 2025
Venue: Flower Dome, Gardens by the Bay
Dates: Till 12 May 2025, 9 am - 9 pm
Admission: Tickets to Flower Dome applies, check here for pricing.
Get ready for a vibrant and educational outing as Gardens by the Bay welcomes back its beloved Tulipmania event. This year, the 11th edition promises to be extra special, transporting visitors back in time amidst a breathtaking display of 65,000 tulips. From now until May 12th, 2025, families can explore the fascinating origins and timeless stories of these beautiful blooms, all within the stunning Flower Dome.
8. Catch the Karung Guni Boy
Venue: Esplanade Theatre Studio
Dates: 9 - 25 May 2025
Admission: from $23
At Karung Guni Boy, meet Ming, a little boy with a BIG imagination! Things come alive around him when he transforms everyday objects into extraordinary items.
One day he meets a karung guni collector whose superpower is to reuse and recycle. Together, they save the world one void deck at a time, looking out for their neighbours and bringing back the kampung spirit.
Watch as Ming becomes the neighbourhood’s not-so-little superhero, transforming forgotten things into treasures and always lending a helping hand.
9. Enjoy Free Kids Meals and More @ Guoco Midtown
Venue: Guoco Midtown
Dates: Every Sun till Nov 2025
Admission: Free
Guoco Midtown is turning weekends into family time with a delightful line-up of kids’ activities, delicious dining deals, and fun treats. From a brand-new play area to complimentary popcorn and candy floss, families are in for a treat— every Sunday until November 2025.
Check out the list of participating restaurants at Guoco Midtown where children under 12 years old can receive free meals or treats with every adult purchase. It's a tasty way to dine out as a family without stretching the budget!
