Vesak Day is one of the most important days in Buddhism. Especially here in Singapore, where about a third of the population practices Buddhism, Vesak Day is a nationally observed holiday.
This year (2026), Versak Day falls on Sunday May 31st, but is observed on Monday, June 1st. This date changes year to year as it is based on the full moon within the fourth lunar month. The Singapore Ministry of Public Labor website will give you Public Holiday information for the current calendar year.
Not to be misleading in the title, there are devotees all over the world that observe Vesak Day, and being a tourist and/or foreigner does not exclude someone from celebrations, nor should it imply that only locals can observe this public holiday/only locals are of a certain faith.
Happy Vesak Day!
History of Vesak Day
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It is believed that Vesak Day was first celebrated in Singapore in 1925, but was not commemorated as an official public holiday until 30 years later in 1955. Vesak day honors Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and passing, or parinirvana. Vesak day is observed by Jains, Hindus, and Buddhists, and differs based on the sect(s). It is also written out as Wesak but is pronounces vee-sack.
Rituals on Vesak Day
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There is not one way to celebrate and observe Vesak Day. At temples and monasteries, small statues of Buddha are “bathed”, candle processions are held, and/or mantras are spoken aloud. It is also not unusual for vegetarian meals to be consumed.
Performing good deeds is also coming on Vesak Day, such as letting birds out of their cages and bowing in particular ways. This is a general overview, each cultural group within Singapore have their own customs to observe Vesak Day.
How You Can Enjoy Vesak Day in Singapore
You do not have to be a devotee to observe Vesak Day, especially in Singapore. Here are a few monasteries and temples that offer Vesak Day festivities.
Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery
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📍88 Bright Hill Road
At Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery in Marymount, you can register to partake in a blessing session and/or in a lantern release ceremony, learn more here. Light transference ceremonies can also be observed here.
If you want something more lowkey, you can also walk through the gardens at Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery and enjoy the lights, especially the floating and lit lotus blossoms, and/or purchase a meal at the night market.🪷🍜
Lian Shan Shuang Lin Monastery
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📍184 Jalan Toa Payoh
In Toa Payoh, Lian Shan Shuang Lin Monastery also offers a bathing of the Buddha ceremony on Sunday May 31st from 10am-Noon.
Buddha Tooth Relic Temple
📍Singapore Chinatown – 288 South Bridge Road
Every year, you can visit the stunning Buddha Tooth Relic Temple to partake in their Vesak Day Carnival, a small vendor and food market. Fun fact, the bottom floor of the temple features a small and affordable vegetarian food court. You can also tour the temple and museum, to include the stunning rooftop garden!
Sakya Muni Buddha Gaya Temple
📍Singapore Little India – 366 Race Course Road
Only at Sakya Minu Buddha Gaya Temple will you find the 15 foot/4.5 metre seated Buddha statue. During Vesak Day, you can see the statue surrounded by thousands of light fixtures.
Tips for Going to the Temple
Never been to a temple before? Let’s talk about it.
- As with most religious sites, please be mindful of your clothing. Shorts, tank tops, short dresses/skirts should be avoided. You can always bring something to change into before going onto temple premises. A scarf is an easy way to throw over a top
- Please do not bring pets
- Please refrain from bringing non-vegeterian food items
- You can expect to smell incense, see monks studying and performing other ceremonial duties, as well as other devotees performing rituals
- You may be expected to remove your shoes.
Conclusions and Final Thoughts
Thank you for reading my blog post on the wonderful Vesak Day in Singapore. If you are in Singapore during Vesak Day, enjoy this serene part of the year. If you plan to not partake in festivities, please know that public holidays can affect business hours across Singapore.
Special thanks to the National Library of Singapore for helping me research Vesak Day.
