Celebrate Buddha's Life and Teachings During Vesak Day 2025

Vesak Day also goes by the name of Buddha Jayanti, Buddha Purnima, or Buddha Day. Though the names and forms of celebrating it differ, Buddha’s incredible life and teachings, packed with meaning, tradition, and a whole lot of heart, have remained unchanged.

How did it all come to be what it is today? How do nations honor Vesak Day in 2025? Let’s take a closer look at how Buddha’s life is celebrated in the most meaningful ways this year!

Picture by Valeriy Ryasnyanskiy on Pexels

 

What Is Vesak Day?

Vesak Day is an important Buddhist holiday that commemorates three key events in the life of Buddha: the birth, enlightenment (Bodhi,) and death (parinirvana) of Gautama Buddha. Each one shows an important part of Buddhist philosophy:

• Birth: Siddhartha Gautama was born into a rich family but chose to leave it behind to find answers to life’s suffering.
• Enlightenment: He reached enlightenment while meditating under a tree, understanding the nature of suffering and how to liberation from it, which he then shared with others.
• Death (Parinirvana): The Buddha’s death represents the end of his life on Earth and his achievement of nirvana, a state of freedom from suffering.

Photo by Kong Jun on Unsplash

 

Millions of Buddhists around the world celebrate it, usually on the full moon of the fourth lunar month (in May). While Vesak Day’s date changes every year because it’s based on the lunar calendar, it usually falls between April and June. Knowing the correct date is important so Buddhists can plan their celebrations and so people who aren’t Buddhists know when the holiday is.

The word "Vesak" literally means "Vesākha" in Pali and Sanskrit, which is the name of a month in the traditional lunar calendar. It is derived from the word "Vesākha," which refers to the full moon of the month. Vesak means celebrating the three key events in the Buddha's life, like his birth, his enlightenment, and his death, all of which are believed to have happened on this full moon day.

You May Also Like: The Spiritual Journey of The Buddhist New Year

 

When Is Vesak Day in 2025?

Vesak Day in 2025 will be on May 12th, which is a Monday.

While Vesak is usually celebrated on the full moon in May, the exact date changes every year because it’s based on the lunar calendar, not the regular calendar. Some countries, like Sri Lanka, Cambodia, and Malaysia, celebrate it on the first full moon of the month, while others, like Thailand and Singapore, celebrate it on the second full moon.

 

The History of Vesak and its Link to Buddha’s Life

The origins of Vesak, one of the most significant holidays in the Buddhist calendar, are a bit of a mystery since early Buddhist texts don’t give us much information.

A time long ago, the teachings of the Buddha were spreading across distant lands. In South Asia, a great emperor named Ashoka embraced Buddhism and sent its wisdom far and wide. Some historians say it was during his reign in the 3rd century BCE that the festival of Vesak first found its way to Sri Lanka.

Centuries passed, and Vesak grew in importance, embraced by Theravada Buddhist communities as a day to honor the Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and passing. By the 5th-6th century, a Sri Lankan chronicle called the Mahavamsa recorded one of the earliest mentions of Vesak celebrations.

As Buddhism spread across Asia, so did Vesak. Different regions like Thailand and Myanmar used to celebrate the occasion with temple ceremonies and candlelit processions, while Cambodia and Laos celebrated with acts of generosity and storytelling. Through wars, dynasties, and shifting times, Vesak has always been an important tradition, kept alive and passed down over the years.

Then, back in the 19th century, when Sri Lanka was under British rule, Buddhism was struggling to maintain its importance. But during this time, a revival began, one that would reshape the way Vesak was celebrated.

Buddhist leaders saw a chance to unite the community, not just through prayer, but with public celebrations. Vesak then became a powerful statement of Buddhist identity. Streets lit up with lanterns, lively processions filled the villages, and people spread kindness through good deeds. What was once a simple observance of the Buddha’s life became a symbol of cultural pride, resilience, and spiritual renewal in the face of colonial rule.

As the modern world changed, Vesak continued to guide Buddhist communities worldwide. Then, in 1950, the World Fellowship of Buddhists came together and officially recognized Vesak as an international holiday. Nearly fifty years later, in 1999, the United Nations declared Vesak a worldwide observance too.

Buddhika Sanjeewa21, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

 

From those ancient times to today, Vesak has only grown stronger and taken on many forms—glowing lanterns floating in the night, peaceful prayers in temples, and acts of kindness shared among communities. It’s incredible to think how one festival has endured through the ages, carrying the Buddha’s unchanged teachings across generations!

 

How Vesak is celebrated across countries

Vesak is celebrated in different ways in different countries since there are many different Buddhist traditions:

South Asia

In Nepal, it’s called “Buddha Jayanti” and takes place on the full moon in the Hindu month of Vaisakha. People gather for ceremonies at important sites like Lumbini, where Buddha was born, and Swayambhu, a special temple.

In Sri Lanka, Vesak is a national holiday. It’s a time when people decorate their homes and streets with bright lights and colorful decorations. Many people also do good deeds, like donating to charity and joining in religious singing or prayers. During Vesak, many choose to avoid drinking alcohol and eating meat as a way to show respect and follow Buddhist teachings.

 

When celebrating Vesak in Southeast Asia, it’s important to stay safe while enjoying the celebrations. One way to do that is by using a Yoho Mobile eSIM. It lets you stay connected to local information and contact family or emergency services without relying on Wi-Fi.

Stay connected and safe, whether you’re exploring or joining in the Vesak festivities across the region.

 

Southeast Asia

In countries like Thailand, Laos, and Indonesia, Vesak follows the Chinese lunar calendar, so the date changes each year, but it always falls on the 14th or 15th day of the fourth month of the lunar year. During the festival, people typically go to temples to pray and pay respect. They also light lanterns as part of the tradition, which symbolizes spreading light and good energy.

Thailand observes Visakha Bucha, an important Buddhist holiday. On this day, people go to temples to make offerings to Buddha, such as flowers, incense, or food, or join in processions, where they walk in groups around the temple. Many wear white clothes to symbolize purity and spiritual cleanliness. It’s a peaceful and reflective time for Buddhists, particularly in Thailand.

In Malaysia, it’s celebrated on the first full moon in May. However, in Singapore, it’s observed on the second full moon, which can fall either in May or June, depending on the lunar calendar.

Vesak Day holds great importance for Buddhists in Singapore, where it’s a public holiday. It’s a day for spiritual reflection, doing good deeds, and coming together as a community. Buddhists often visit temples in the morning, where they take part in ceremonies, raise the Buddhist flag, and sing hymns. They also bring gifts like flowers, candles, and incense as a way to show respect and remind themselves that life is short and always changing. Buddhists believe that doing good deeds on Vesak Day multiplies their merit, so they may donate blood, visit the elderly, or perform other acts of kindness.

Some people choose to eat vegetarian meals to promote non-violence. Different Buddhist traditions have their own ways of practicing this, like the “three-step, one-bow” ritual done by Mahayana Buddhists or offering rice in milk by Theravada Buddhists. The day usually wraps up with a candlelight procession to show respect for Buddha’s teachings.

Dorje tenzin, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

 

Where they celebrate Vesak Day in Singapore

In Singapore, Vesak Day is celebrated at various Buddhist temples, and each one has its own ceremonies, meditation sessions, or cultural performances to mark the day.

• Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery, located on Bright Hill Road, is a big Buddhist temple that holds different ceremonies, like the “three-step, one-bow” ritual. It also organizes vegetarian food fairs and mindfulness workshops for people who visit, offering a peaceful and spiritual experience.

Tony Hisgett from Birmingham, UK, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

 

• Buddha Tooth Relic Temple & Museum is in Chinatown, and it’s a special place for Vesak celebrations, getting blessings, and offering lamps, there’s the Bathing Buddha Festival, which can go on for several days. You can also buy lanterns for the festival that are meant to bring prosperity.

Mike Cartmell from Singapore., CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

 

• Lian Shan Shuang Lin Temple, located on Toa Payoh Rise, is Singapore’s oldest Buddhist monastery and has been around for over 100 years. It’s a peaceful, historical spot considered a National Monument.

wikipedia user TteckK, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

 

East Asia

In Japan, the celebration of Vesak is called “Hanamatsuri.” and it’s observed on April 8th, following the Gregorian calendar. One of the main traditions is pouring sweet tea, called “amacha,” over Buddha statues to symbolize clearing and purifying the mind and to show respect for Buddha.

In South Korea, Buddha’s Birthday, or Vesak, is celebrated on the 8th day of the fourth month of the lunar calendar. The celebration features lantern festivals, where people light up colorful lanterns to symbolize enlightenment and temples give out free meals to visitors.

In East Asia, Mahayana Buddhists mostly live in countries like China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Vietnam, and Mongolia. There are also Mahayana communities in places like Nepal, Bhutan, and parts of Southeast Asia. Mahayana Buddhists celebrate Vesak by focusing on kindness, mindfulness, and spiritual growth. They offer flowers, incense, and candles, set animals free, and avoid eating meat. People wear white to represent purity, chant Buddhist scriptures, and meditate. They also participate in activities like bathing Buddha statues, decorating temples, and joining processions, which are common across Asia. Acts of kindness, like donating, volunteering, and sharing food, are encouraged to earn good karma.

 

Things To Do In Singapore On Vesak Day

If you’re in Singapore for Vesak Day, there are several things you can do to join in the celebrations:

• Visit Temples: Temples become very active during Vesak Day. You can see ceremonies like raising the Buddhist flag and singing hymns. Some great temples to check out are the Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery and the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple.
• Offer Flowers and Light: When you visit temples, it’s common to bring gifts like flowers, candles, and incense. These offerings represent the idea that life is always changing, and they are a way to show respect and mindfulness. The flowers symbolize beauty and impermanence, while the candles and incense stand for light and warmth.

Image by vecstock on Freepik

 

• Watch the Bathing of Buddha: At many temples, there’s a tradition of pouring water over Buddha statues. It’s a way of showing respect and symbolizing cleaning or purifying, often done as a way to show respect or bring good luck.
• Meditate and Chant: You can participate in chanting and meditation sessions to help calm your mind, reflect spiritually, and find inner peace.
• Do Good Deeds: It’s a common belief that doing good deeds can bring good karma. You can contribute by helping others, like donating to those in need or giving blood. Another way to help is by donating toys to the “Toy Buffet” program, where Toys “R” Us will match your donation with an extra toy for kids who could really use them.
• Eat Vegetarian: Many people choose to eat only vegetarian food as a way to honor life and practice non-violence. By avoiding meat, they aim to show respect for all living beings and follow the principles of compassion and kindness.
• See Lanterns: Some temples hold lantern-releasing events, where people let go of lanterns into the sky or water. This is a way to symbolize gaining wisdom and spreading light, representing hope and peace.

Photo by Jenny Le on Unsplash

 

Vesak Day Planning Tips

Vesak Day is the perfect chance to take a break or enjoy some local events! These quick tips can help you make the most of the holiday:

• Book early for the best holiday deals: This 2025, Singapore has 11 public holidays, some of which give you long weekends, like Chinese New Year and Vesak Day. It’s smart to book your trips and stay ahead of time to get better prices and availability.
• Staycations and day trips: Take advantage of long weekends for short getaways, like visiting Sentosa Island or the Mandai Boardwalk. These are perfect for families or just a quick, relaxing break.
• Fun things to do locally: Check out events like Disney on Ice in March 2025 or join creative workshops at New Bahru for some fun local activities.
• Join Singapore’s festivals: Join festivals like Deepavali or Chinese New Year to experience Singapore’s rich culture and traditions.
• Check out nearby places: Some nearby destinations to check out: In Desaru, Malaysia, you can unwind on the beaches, try water sports, or explore fruit farms, and it’s just a ferry ride away from Changi. Cameron Highlands is perfect for a family getaway, offering cool weather and scenic tea plantations. If you’re looking for a mix of history and beaches, Hoi An in Vietnam is a charming countryside spot, just a short trip from Da Nang.
• Save time and money: When planning international trips, make sure to check ferry schedules and visa requirements ahead of time to avoid surprises. You can save money by choosing budget-friendly options like group tours, which are usually cheaper, or sightseeing passes that let you visit multiple attractions for one price. These little preparations can help keep your trip smooth and affordable.
• Stay Connected with eSIM: Keep your phone ready for emergencies and access mobile data during this Vesak 2025. Using a reliable eSIM like Yoho Mobile eSIM makes sure you’re always connected, whether you’re traveling or enjoying the celebrations. Use the code YOHO12 at checkout for a 12% discount!

 

 

FAQs about Vesak Day

Why is Vesak Day different in Malaysia and Singapore?

Vesak Day happens on different dates in Malaysia and Singapore because they use different lunar calendars. Malaysia follows the Hindu-Buddhist lunar calendar and celebrates it on the first full moon in May. Singapore, on the other hand, uses the Chinese lunar calendar and celebrates it on the second full moon of the Visakha month. That’s why the Vesak dates in Malaysia and Singapore are different, even though the holiday means the same thing in both countries.

Is Vesak Day a public holiday in Singapore?

Yes, Vesak Day is a public holiday in Singapore, celebrated to honor the birth, enlightenment, and death of Buddha. It became an official holiday in June 1955. On this day, temples are decorated, and Buddhists come together to pray and make offerings. Some also do kind deeds and eat vegetarian food.

Is Vesak Day the same as Buddha’s New Year?

Vesak Day is not exactly the same as Buddha’s New Year, although they are related. Vesak Day celebrates the birth, enlightenment, and death of the Buddha, and it is one of the most important Buddhist holidays. Buddha’s New Year, on the other hand, is celebrated at different times in different countries, depending on local customs. So, even though both holidays honor the Buddha, they focus on different parts of his life and happen at different times of the year.

Are shops open on Vesak Day in Singapore?

Most shops in Singapore stay open on Vesak Day, so you can still visit attractions and eat at restaurants without many issues. However, some stores might close earlier, and places linked to religious events might be shut. It’s a good idea to double-check the opening hours before heading out.