Buddhism is a religion that is present in many countries and cultures such as in India, Thailand, Singapore and Korea. As a result, each Buddhist culture tends to have its own unique traditions to honour the day.

However, typically, Buddhists will go to the temple at the crack of dawn to participate in the singing of hymns to honour Buddha, his teachings and his disciples. They will also raise the Buddhist flag while singing these hymns. Some Buddhists will even stay at the temple all day and night. 

On this day, many Buddhists also participate in good deeds because it is believed that performing good deeds on Vesak Day will multiply one’s merit a number of times over. 

It is also common to see some Buddhist families decorating their homes with lanterns, taking part in processions and wearing special white clothes. They will also typically only eat vegetarian meals on this day.  

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On Vesak Day, it is common to see people putting up offerings of flowers, candles and joss sticks at the temples.

The point of using these items as offerings is to acknowledge the transient nature of life. Candles and joss sticks will burn away and flowers will eventually decay.

During Vesak Day, it is common to see devotees practising the two-hour-long ‘three-step, one-bow’ ritual. This is when they take steps while on both knees and bow at every third step. While they do this, they will typically pray for world peace, personal blessings and repentance, according to Visit Singapore, a local travel guide.

The ritual is typically practised in large groups from the congregation while a mantra is chanted. 

On Vesak Day, one of the most common rituals you will see being performed is that of the ‘bathing’ of Buddha. This is where Buddhists collectively gather around and pour water over the shoulders of Buddha. 

This practice reminds believers to clear their minds of negative thoughts and hatred as well as to commemorate the birth of Buddha. It is a very sacred ritual that is carried out by Buddhists yearly.

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