Vesak Day 2022

LOVELY AND PEACEFUL, THE SPIRIT OF VESAK DAY IN SINGAPORE

To practice love, peace and harmony is always the main theme of Vesak Day, as those are the three traits that the Buddha taught. The most significant day of the Buddhist calendar, Vesak Day normally falls in the fifth month of the Roman Calendar, or on the 15th of the fourth month of the Chinese Lunar Calendar. The day is synonymous with pretty decoration and a get-together at temples, in which worshippers offer flowers, candles, and incense. The spirit of Vesak is also embodied by all Buddhists as they believe that performing good deeds on Vesak Day will multiply merit, hence social events such as blood donation and charity are commonly seen during that day.

In Singapore, Mahayana Buddhist Temples, like the Phor Kark, often become the center of Vesak celebration. Religious procession attracted many people with some even going to a length such as reserving a place for it. Given that Buddhism is the largest religion in Singapore that is practiced by 33 percent of its inhabitants, it makes sense that hundreds of thousands of people line up to join the celebration. So how is Vesak Day 2022 going to be celebrated in Singapore? With Covid in the mix, how is the spirit of Vesak carried on?

Celebrating Vesak in Singapore

The 2566 Vesak Day Celebration in Singapore takes place this year on May 15, 2022. One of the biggest venues that will host the celebration is the Buddhist Library at one 2 Lor 24A Geylang. Certainly, the management upholds safety management protocols such as using SafeEntry QR Code for check-in, measuring body temperature, enforcing face masks at all times during the service, and safe distancing. Visitors are also not allowed to consume food and beverage within the premises. As for the event itself, the Buddhist Library allows worshippers to offer candles during the month of Vesak on the following dates: May 2, 9, 16, 23, and 26. Not only candles, but the venue also welcomes flower offerings, providing a dedicated line for it.

Vesak celebration, however, is not limited to a religious procession. If you find yourself attracted to visit or revisit Buddhism-themed venues, you should really try the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple & Museum in Chinatown. The 5-story museum and temple exhibits numerous Buddhist art, as well as presenting a story of a culture that has lasted over thousands of years. It also hosts revered artifacts of the Buddha, such as bone and tongue relics. Meanwhile, the temple’s centerpiece is the Buddha Tooth Relic, housed in a giant stupa that is over 3 tons in weight and is made from 320 kilograms of pure gold.

Another stop you should definitely make is the Lian Shan Shuang Lin Monastery, a historical site that has stood for over 100 years. The monastery, also known as Siong Lim Temple, is located in Toa Payoh, Singapore. It was built in 1902 but refurbished in 1991. The monastery hosts a gold-topped pagoda, a replica of the Shanfeng pagoda in Fujian, China.

A Break in Schedule

Vesak Day this year falls on Wednesday and this is often seen by many as a chance to file for a leave of absence for the following two days - a chance to get the impending break-in schedule. The question that normally follows up the notion is what to do during the break. Worry not, here are a couple of things you can definitely enjoy if you decide to optimize your public holiday.

1. Garden Rhapsody

Experience the music and bask under the lights at Gardens by the bay. Twice a day, Garden Rhapsody will entertain the crowd with a classical music lineup and rendition of popular songs, all accompanied by a carefully choreographed light sequence.

2. Glass in Bloom

Still at Gardens by the bay, discover out-of-the-world glass sculptures at Dale Chihuly: Glass in Bloom. The immersive art experience designed by world-renowned artist Dale Chihuly will entertain you with a sensation of color, light, and form.

3. Cultural Extravaganza

First launched in 2017, Cultural Extravaganza is an annual event that covers culture for every generation through a wide range of programs. After missing a year due to COVID-19, this year’s Cultural Extravaganza will be held on May to June at the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre with 20 hybrid programs, such as Masters Of Comedy talk show, online carnival It’s FanTEAstic!, and Love in Many Colors exhibition.

4. SingapoRediscovers

Traveloka presents you an opportunity to not only enjoy the spirit of Vesak but also to have a good time in Singapore. As a part of the SingapoRediscovers program, you can redeem your SingapoRediscovers Vouchers (SRV) with Traveloka and experience the city like never before. Even better, you can save up to hundreds of dollars from Traveloka rewards. Be it Garden by the Bay or other attractions you plan to spend time in during the break, Traveloka guarantees the best price and service.