Where to Celebrate Vesak Day in Singapore With Your Family (2022)

Many people believe that religion plays a major role in strengthening relationships. It encourages family members to follow a common set of values and strengthens bonds that provide a sense of belonging and security. When children enjoy religious activities together with their loved ones, they develop better social skills and a higher self-esteem. As Vesak (Buddha Day) is just around the corner, why not visit these places in Singapore and make offerings with the entire family?

Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery

Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery (KMSPKS) is the largest Buddhist temple in Singapore. Founded in 1921, it’s a spiritual sanctuary where you and your family can learn Buddha’s teachings of wisdom and compassion, develop gratitude, practise mindfulness, and bring happiness to all.

The temple’s Vesak Auspicious Lantern lighting dates are scheduled from May 7 to 16. There are two categories to choose from: Company/Family (S$338 per lantern, which will be displayed at Hall of Universal Brightness) and Family/Individual (S$50 per lantern, which will be displayed at Hall of No Form). The Vesak Auspicious Lanterns Blessing Session for Donors — Thousands Buddha Repentance Puja will be held on May 15 from 8:30 AM to 4 PM at Hall of No Form.

Location: 88 Bright Hill Road

Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum

Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum was built in May 2007 based on the combined architectural styles of Buddhist Mandala and the Tang dynasty. Located in the heart of Chinatown, it houses what many Buddhists believe to be the tooth relic of Buddha.

The temple will be celebrating Vesak from May 1 to 17, which is the first to 17th day of the fourth month in the lunar “Ren Yin” year. Mark your calendars as three events will take place at Hundred Dragons Hall:

• Light Offerings and Bathing of the Buddha on May 7 (7 PM to 8 PM)
• Vesak Day Bathing Ceremony on May 8 to 15 (9 AM to 5 PM)
• Vesak Day Blessing on May 15 (9 AM to 4 PM)

The Chanting of Diamond Sutra Repentance and Medicine Buddha Sutra and Light Offerings will be on May 15 to 17 from 9 AM to 4 PM at Sacred Light Hall. You can buy an Auspicious Vesak Lantern (S$50), Light Offering (S$20), and other products from the temple’s official portal.

Location: 288 South Bridge Road

Amitabha Buddhist Centre

Established in 1989, Amitabha Buddhist Centre (ABC) is a non-profit Buddhist organisation for the study and practice of Mahayana Buddhism. It’s associated with the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT), which is headquartered in the United States.

The centre will host Vesak Day festivities at an open ground near Aljunied MRT Station, which is the safest bet in terms of health protocols since it’s an outdoor venue. Your family can enjoy fair games, thrift stores, food stalls, and bazaars from May 15 to 17.

Sponsorship of pujas (or worship rituals) and offerings for six buddha deities are open on their official website. Tara Puja, Yamantaka Fire Puja, Namgyalma Puja, Medicine Buddha Puja, Manjushri Puja, and White Dzambhala Wealth Deity Puja are all at S$10. Butter lamps for offering, on the other hand, are available for business (S$288), family (S$128), and individual (S$30).

Location: 44 Lorong 25A Geylang