{"id":74828,"date":"2024-05-16T18:23:42","date_gmt":"2024-05-16T10:23:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.99.co\/singapore\/insider\/?p=74828"},"modified":"2024-05-16T18:23:42","modified_gmt":"2024-05-16T10:23:42","slug":"vesak-day-2024-singapore","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.99.co\/singapore\/insider\/vesak-day-2024-singapore\/","title":{"rendered":"Celebrating Vesak Day 2024 in Singapore: Places to visit, food to eat, and what to do"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Vesak Day, also referred to as Buddha Day, holds great importance in the Buddhist calendar as it commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and passing of Gautama Buddha.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

In Singapore, Vesak Day 2024\u00a0is scheduled\u00a0to\u00a0be celebrated\u00a0on 22 May. This public holiday is a time for introspection, performing acts of kindness, and participating in lively cultural celebrations.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Here’s\u00a0a detailed guide on how Vesak Day\u00a0is celebrated\u00a0in Singapore.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n

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What is Vesak Day?<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Vesak Day is an important Buddhist festival that commemorates the birth, enlightenment (Nirvana), and passing away (Parinirvana) of Gautama Buddha. It is a time for Buddhists to contemplate the teachings of the Buddha and participate in acts of generosity and empathy.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

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Image credit: niranjan_Photographs on Unsplash.<\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

This observance\u00a0takes place\u00a0on the full moon of the fourth lunar month, usually in May. In the current year, Vesak Day will be honoured on 22 May.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n

Read this: Public Holidays in Singapore 2024, Upcoming MOM Public Holidays Calendar <\/a><\/i><\/p>\n\r\n\r\n

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How is Vesak Day celebrated?<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Early morning temple visits<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Devotees gather at temples early in the morning for a series of sacred rituals:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

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  • Hoisting the Buddhist flag<\/strong>: Temples raise the Buddhist flag to signify the start of Vesak Day celebrations.<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
  • Chanting hymns<\/strong>: Monks and devotees chant hymns\u00a0in praise of\u00a0the Buddha, Dharma (teachings), and Sangha (community).<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
  • Offering flowers, candles, and joss sticks<\/strong>: These offerings symbolise the impermanence of life, as flowers wither and candles and joss sticks burn out\u200b.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

    Bathing the Buddha<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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    Image credit: wilsan u on Unsplash.<\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

    During Vesak Day, a widely observed ritual involves the ceremonial “bathing” of the Buddha. This ritual entails pouring water over a statue of the baby Buddha, symbolising the cleansing of one’s mind and deeds.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

    Legend has it that celestial beings and spirits once showered the infant Buddha with sacred water from the heavens, inspiring this meaningful act of purification.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

    Acts of kindness<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

    Buddhists engage in various acts of kindness, such as:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

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    • Blood donations<\/strong>: Organising mass blood donations at hospitals.<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
    • Visiting homes for\u00a0the aged<\/strong>: Offering companionship and gifts to\u00a0the elderly.<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
    • Releasing caged animals<\/strong>: Symbolising liberation and compassion for all beings\u200b.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n