A public holiday in Singapore, Vesak Day, also known as Buddha Day, celebrates the birth, enlightenment, and passing into nirvana of Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism. In the city-state, where Buddhism is one of the major religions, Vesak Day is observed with different religious and cultural activities.

This year, Vesak Day will be celebrated in the Lion City today, May 22. Buddhist temples will have colorful decorations, and you can expect devotees to gather for ceremonies and make offerings. In addition to participating in processions, Buddhists are also encouraged to perform acts of charity and kindness.

Are you planning to take part in the Vesak Day 2024 celebrations? Embark on a temple adventure as you explore some of Singapore’s must-visit Buddhist temples. We’ve listed eight temples you can add to your pilgrimage:

Buddha Tooth Relic Temple

Located in Chinatown, the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple was officially opened on Vesak Day 2007. The five-storey temple with architecture reminiscent of the Tang Dynasty houses the left canine tooth of the Lord Buddha for veneration of the devotees. Those visiting the temple are asked to wear appropriate attire as a sign of respect. Visitors dressed inappropriately may not be allowed entry into the premises.

For Vesak Day 2024, one of their projects is the Maitri Bag Donation. Devotees are encouraged to sponsor Maitri Bags inspired by Maitreya Buddha’s love for the world. The 300 bags will be given to the Kreta Ayer Senior Activity Centre.

Location: Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, 288 South Bridge Road, Singapore

Foo Hai Ch’an Monastery

Standing tall in the Geylang area, the Foo Hai Ch’an Monastery is known for the statue of Bodhisattva Guanyin or the Goddess of Mercy, which immediately greets devotees as soon as they step inside. Aside from making offerings in the temple, you can also check out the five-storey pagoda in the complex and some relics of the Buddha.

Location: Foo Hai Ch’an Monastery, 87 Geylang East Avenue 2, Singapore

Lian Shan Shuang Lin Monastery

A tranquil Buddhist monastery known for its landscaped and well-maintained grounds; Lian Shan Shuang Lin Temple at Toa Payoh is considered as the oldest Buddhist monastery in Singapore. It majestically stands with seven floors, with a gold Pagoda and bears adorning the top. On May 22, the monastery will celebrate Vesak Day 2024 with the bathing of the Buddha until 12:00 p.m.

Location: Lian Shan Shuang Lin Monastery, 184 Jalan Toa Payoh, Singapore

Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery

Founded in 1921 by the Venerable Sik Zhuan Dao, Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery is the largest Buddhist temple in Singapore with its land area measuring 75,470 square metres. With its serene environment highlighted by lush greenery, it has evolved into a place for Buddhist learning, community activities, and meditation.

Given its size, it features a magnificent architecture, prayer halls, and meditation halls, among others. One of the things visitors can’t miss is visiting the Hall of Great Compassion where a statue of Guanyin stands tall at 13.8 metres.

Location: Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery, 88 Bright Hill Road, Singapore

Wat Ananda Metyarama Thai Buddhist Temple

One of Singapore’s oldest Theravada temples, Wat Ananda Metyarama Thai Buddhist Temple, was founded in 1925. It features traditional Thai architecture, colourful roof tiles, and intricate decorations. Aside from holding religious activities, the temple also helps promote Thai culture and traditions.

For Vesak Day 2024, the temple is inviting devotees to make candle offerings to the Lord Buddha on May 22. A S$100 donation will already include a candle set. Resident temple monks will also be performing daily morning and evening chanting as part of the celebration.

Location: Wat Ananda Metyarama Thai Buddhist Temple, 50B Jalan Bukit Merah, Singapore

Burmese Buddhist Temple

Also known as Maha Sasani Ramsi, the Burmese Buddhist Temple is the only temple with traditional Burmese architecture in Singapore. Located near the Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall, the temple grounds highlight a pagoda, landscaped gardens, and meditation halls ideal for contemplation and quiet reflection.

In observance of Vesak Day 2024, the temple invites Buddhist to remember the five auspicious occasions that happened on the full moon of May which include significant moments in Buddha’s life as well as to ponder on the boundless compassion of Sakyamuni Buddha.

Location: Burmese Buddhist Temple, 14 Tai Gin Roa, Singapore

Sakya Muni Buddha Gaya Temple

Considered one of the most important religious sites in Singapore, the Sakya Muni Buddha Gaya Temple highlights captivating architecture that blends Thai, Chinese, and Indian influences. Here, you’ll find a 15-foot-high statue of the Buddha in a meditation posture in the main hall.

Also known as the "Temple of 1,000 Lights," the temple features thousands of oil lamps that make for a spectacle during festivals and special occasions.

Location: Sakya Muni Buddha Gaya Temple, 366 Race Course Road, Singapore

Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple

A renowned Buddhist temple dedicated to Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy, the Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple draws devotees and visitors from different cultural backgrounds. The main hall houses a statue of Guanyin, with offerings of flowers and candles made by devotees seeking her guidance and blessing.

According to sources, the temple is also popular because of its divination predictions, which many claim to be accurate. Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho hosts a variety of religious ceremonies and events, including Vesak Day and the birthday of Guanyin.

Location: Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple, 178 Waterloo Street, Singapore