Vesak Day - Buddhist Celebration Time
Vesak Day falls on the full moon day of the fourth lunar month - which this year is May 19th - and is the most important event amongst the Buddhist community.
Commemorating the Birth, Enlightenment and resulting Nirvana of the Buddha the occasion is a day of devotion, reflection and appraisal of how one views andacts within the world.
In Buddhism the Five Precepts related to Life are reflected on at this time. These are --- Not to Kill : Not to Steal : Not to Indulge in Senses : Not to Lie and Not to take Intoxicants.
At this time Buddhists make offerings at shrines and chant sutras - holy words. They also participate in processions and listen to Buddhist sermons.
Most will eat only vegetarian food on Vesak Day as temples are decked out in their finery with flags, flowers, fruit and hundreds of lit candles on show.
This year's Vesak Day signals the arrival of year 2552 on the Buddhist Calendar.
Visitors to Singapore around this time can experience Vesak activities at Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza - along Orchard Road - and join in the Vegetarian Food Fair on May 10 and 11.
The Buddha Tooth Temple, 288 South Bridge Road, Chinatown, is a ‘must visit' choice. Ceremonies take place during the 4th Lunar Month at which a
Viewing of the Sacred Buddha Tooth can be seen. The Tang Dynasty-style temple is stunning, well worth a visit and opens daily from 0430 to 2100 hrs.
The four floors of the ornate Temple hold numerous artifacts and examples of Buddhism ...in a most beautiful setting.
Catch the Vesak Day parade along South Bridge Road --- it's well worth watching for the sounds and colour alone.