We are back with our annual edition of top things to do this Vesak! Vesak is not just about visiting temples – it is about how you experience the day. It is an important festival to commemorate the three most significant events in the Buddha’s journey, his birth, enlightenment and death. It is also a time for reflection, joy and peace.

Across Singapore (and on the online world), temples and Buddhist organisations are organising various activities from carnivals to rituals and dhamma talks to celebrate Vesak. Whether you are seeking quiet reflection or ways to give back, here are 10 meaningful ways to experience Vesak beyond the usual temple visit. 

To explore more events, you can also visit the Handful of Leaves’ Events Directory which features Buddhist events, activities, communities and temples in Singapore and Southeast Asia. 

1. Take Part in the Bathing the Buddha Ritual

The Vesak experience is often not complete without taking part in the iconic Bathing the Buddha ritual. At Vesak celebrations at Kong Meng San, The Mahaprajna Buddhist Society, Poh Ming Tse and Buddhist Library, visitors are invited to participate in the bathing ceremony.

Story has it that when Prince Siddhartha was born, nine dragons appeared in the sky and poured fragrant water 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, symbolising the purification of one’s speech, body and mind. 

2. Witness (or Try) the “Three Steps, One Bow” Pilgrimage 

One of the most unique practices in Vesak is the Three Steps One Bow Ceremony organised by Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery. Participants take three steps and perform a full prostration repeatedly – a Buddhist practice of humility and devotion. With every three steps, devotees bow, repenting for unwholesome karma and purifying the body and mind.

3. Walk in Light at a Candlelight Procession 

Another Vesak tradition is the candlelight procession, where devotees walk in quiet contemplation, each holding a flame or yellow candle symbolising wisdom dispelling ignorance. You can experience this at Vesak celebrations organised by Mangala Vihara, Poh Ming Tse, Kong Meng San, Buddhist Library and Buddhist Fellowship, where evening processions are often a highlight.

4. Spend a Quiet Afternoon in Guided Chanting 

“Itipiso” or the recitation of the virtuous qualities of the Buddha, the Dhamma, and the Sangha was taught by the Lord Buddha in the Dhajagga Sutta (Top-of-the-Banner Discourse) to help his disciples alleviate fear and harm, and develop inner strength and concentration mind. Attend 108 Itipiso Chanting at Palelai Temple this Vesak afternoon and practise together for mutual support and a strengthened sense of community.  

5. Learn Through Dhamma Study

This year at Buddhist Fellowship, Vesak celebration coincides with Ajahn Brahmali’s Singapore Teaching Tour! You can look forward to a 1-day workshop on MN 51 Kandarakas Sutta and study on suttas such as Snp 5.1 Ajita-manava puccha sutta. Save the dates for his visit to Singapore from 27 May, culminating in Vesak on the 31st May! 

6. Join a Vesak Carnival

Featuring over 20 vibrant booths offering a wide variety of delicious food and unique gifts, the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple is organising a joyful and enriching Vesak Day Carnival. Every coupon you purchase will go entirely towards their “Operation Fund”, contributing to a meaningful cause.

Don’t also forget the Vegetarian Food Fairs at Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery and Singapore Expo organised by Singapore Buddhist Federation. Indulge in a tempting selection of vegetarian delights this Vesak season!

7. View Buddha Relics Up Close 

During Vesak, Mangala Vihara Buddhist Temple is offering the opportunity to view sacred relics – objects believed to be associated with the Buddha and Arahant Sivali, preserved with deep reverence. A little on Arahant Sivali – he was a pre-eminent disciple of the Buddha who was in his mother’s womb for seven years, and was born after his mother went through seven days of labour, following blessings by the Buddha. 

The relics of Buddha and Arahant Sivalii are kept in Mangala Vihara and these are brought out for public viewing once a year on Vesak Day.

8. Experience Different Buddhist Traditions in One City

Singapore’s Vesak celebrations span multiple traditions. Join Amitabha Buddhist Centre, which is a Buddhist Centre based on the lineage of Lama Tsong Khapa of Tibet located in the heart of Singapore. Amitabha Buddhist Centre’s signature grand pujas will be performed and a series of crowd favourite and family-friendly activities (including blessings for pets!) await you and your loved ones over the Vesak season.

9. Connect with Global Communities Online

One day isn’t enough to celebrate Vesak. While Vesak Day falls on May 31, 2026, Buddhism.net is celebrating Vesak all month long, with 5 special episodes of Vibe with Venerables. Connect with global communities online throughout May to commemorate the Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and parinirvana, featuring five special Vibe with Venerables episodes. Three leading masters-Bhante Buddharakkhita, Trungram Gyalwa Rinpoche, and Roshi Joan Halifax-will host sessions on the Buddha, alongside two joint sessions with sutta experts Bhante Sujato and Venerable Canda.

10. Practise Compassion Through Giving and Volunteering 

And last but certainly not the least, acts of generosity are central to Vesak. Many Buddhist temples and organisations such as Singapore Buddhist Free Clinic and Shan You run donation drives and lunch danas during this period. Instead of just attending, you can actively contribute and support by providing funds or resources. By putting compassion to action, this is one of the most meaningful ways to take part in Vesak!