Vesak is one of the most important festivals in Buddhism, when Buddhists gather to commemorate the three most significant events in the Buddha’s journey – his birth, enlightenment, and death. It is a time for us to reflect on the Buddha’s teachings, as well as a day for spiritual renewal, to practice wisdom and compassion and reaffirm commitment to the Buddhist path.
Last year, we highlighted 6 unique Vesak experiences around Singapore that you should not miss. This year, we continue the same tradition and share 8 activities happening around the island that you can join this Vesak! These range from the customary pujas, dhamma talks and bathing of the Buddha to novel ones such as a Vesak – Mothers’ Day Special, while not forgetting the sacred tradition of Three Steps, One Bow.
Do check out these events below, and to explore more, you can also visit the Handful of Leaves’ Buddhist Directory which features events, activities, communities and temples in Singapore and Southeast Asia.
(1) Dharma Drum Singapore
Source: Dharma Drum Singapore
Join Dharma Drum Singapore in the “Bathing the Buddha Festival”! Legend has it that at the birth of the Buddha, nine dragons appeared in the sky and poured fragrant springs from their mouths to bathe him. Since then, Buddhists have been celebrating the Buddha’s birthday by performing the Buddha bathing ceremony as a tradition. Through the ritual of bathing the Buddha, participants also symbolically seek to purify speech, body and mind.
When? 11 May 2025, 10 – 11.30am, or 2.30 – 4pm
Vhere? 146B Paya Lebar Rd #06-01 Ace Building Singapore 409017
Want to find out more? Check out our event listing here.
(2) Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery
Source: Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery
Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery continues to organise the “Three Steps, One Bow” ceremony this year and invites all to take part in this meaningful tradition and cultivate wisdom and compassion together, step by step, bow by bow. Through the ages, Buddhist monks embarked on long and arduous pilgrimages to sacred mountains, seeking to refine their minds and honour the Buddha. From their devotion, the “Three Steps, One Bow” practice emerged – a journey of humility, repentance and inner transformation.
When? 11 May 2025 5.30 pm – 12 May 2025 7 am
Where? Hall of Great Strength as Starting Point
Want to find out more? Check out our event listing here.
(3) Buddhism.net
Source: Buddhism.net
Buddhism.net seeks to make early Buddhist teachings more accessible to everyone in the world, and they will be organising a Vesak Special as part of the “Vibes with Venerable Series” where they talk “live” with Buddhist masters. In this episode, they will be exploring with Bhante Shravasti Dhammika the topic of anussati, a less well known mindful practice in which memory, self-examination, one’s relationships and potential are evoked to enrich one’s spiritual journey.
When? 10 May 2025, 6 – 7 am
Where? Online (Zoom)
Want to find out more? Check out our event listing here.
(4) Singapore Buddhist Mission
Source: Singapore Buddhist Mission
Celebrate Vesak with your loved ones through a series of events at Singapore Buddhist Mission. Start the day with chanting led by Venerables, dedicating merits with compassion, calming guided meditation and uplifting Dharma talks. It is a chance to slow down, reflect and connect with the Buddha’s teachings and each other. There will also be a Vesak and Mothers’ Day Special to celebrate the deep bond of gratitude between parents and children by offering the washing of our beloved parents and elders’ feet as a gesture of respect and love!
When? 12 May 2025, 9 am – 2.30 pm
Where? SBM Centre, 9 Ruby Lane, Singapore 328284
Want to find out more? Check out our event listing here.
(5) Aranya Sangha Dana Fellowship
Source: Aranya Sangha Dana Fellowship
Aranya Sangha Dana Fellowship is a charity that provides support for community-based Buddhist Monastics. This Vesak, the Fellowship invites everyone to join them at the Gratitude at Vesak Charity Lunch, together with community-based monastics to enjoy a sumptuous vegetarian lunch together in celebration of Vesak! Proceeds will go towards supporting Aranya’s operating costs to provide long term care services and programmes for almost hundred community-based monastics.
When? 17 May 2025, 10.30 – 1 pm
Where? Jubilee Garden Restaurant, SAFRA Toa Payoh
Want to find out more? Check out our event listing here.
(6) Kwan Yin Chan Lin
Source: Kwan Yin Chan Lin Zen Meditation Centre
Established in 1991 by Venerable Chi Boon, Kwan Yin Chan Lin Zen Meditation Centre (KYCL) is dedicated to disseminating the teachings of Buddha through the practice of Zen. KYCL is organising a series of events over Vesak, including Bathing of the Buddha, Emperor Liang Repentance Chanting, Dharma Talks, 3 Steps 1 Bow and Mass Meditation for World Peace.
When? 8 – 13 May 2025
Where? Bukit Batok St. 31, Blk 372 Hard Court (Opposite Bukit Gombak MRT)
Want to find out more? Check out our event listing here.
(7) Poh Ming Tse
Source: Poh Ming Tse
Located at Bukit Timah, Poh Ming Tse will be organising the Light Procession and Bathing of Prince Siddhartha, as well as the Diamond Repentance Dharma Assembly.
Light Procession and Bathing of Prince Siddhartha
When? 10 May 2025, 7.30 – 9 pm
Where? Hall of Boundless Light Level 3, Poh Ming Tse
Diamond Repentance Dharma Assembly
When? 11 May 2025, 10.30 – 5 pm
Where? Hall of Boundless Light Level 3, Poh Ming Tse
Want to find out more? Check out our event listing here.
(8) Buddhist Fellowship
Source: Buddhist Fellowship
Rounding up the Things to Do this Vesak is Buddhist Fellowship’s Vesak line-up. You can look forward to joining the mini carnival and Dhamma talk by Ajahn Brahmali on ‘How to live in harmony with all sorts of people’ at the Chui Huay Lim Club.
When? 12 May 2025, 9am – 4pm
Where? Chui Huay Lim Club
Want to find out more? Check out our event listing here.
