To some, Buddha's Birthday is just another public holiday on the calendar, but to many others, Buddha’s Birthday is a deeply meaningful celebration – but what is it really all about? Keep scrolling as we explain the ins and outs of this important day.
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Buddha's Birthday is a celebration that marks the birth of Prince Siddhartha Gautama, who later founded Buddhism. According to the legend, nine dragons appeared in the sky at the time of his birth and sprayed down two streams of pure fragrant rain that gently bathed the newly born prince.
This holiday is a deeply spiritual occasion, where Buddhists will take the time to reflect upon the timeless teachings of Buddha.
Buddha's Birthday is celebrated on the eighth day of the fourth lunar month, which typically falls in May. Since 1999, this day has been designated as a public holiday in Hong Kong, making it the only Chinese traditional religious holiday recognised as a public holiday. In 2024, Buddha's Birthday is landing on Wednesday, May 15.
The Buddha's Birthday is celebrated in numerous ways throughout Hong Kong. One of the key ceremonies that take place on this day is the bathing of the Buddha, which sees water being poured over small Buddha statues to symbolise the purification of the soul, spiritual cleansing, and the washing away of negative energy.
Other popular activities include visiting temples and monasteries to offer prayers, make offerings, and chanting sutras. Some may also choose to enjoy vegetarian meals not only to purify their souls but also to 'cleanse' their digestive systems.
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There is also a special delicacy called 'yin sai cake'. These little green cakes, typically filled with sweetened lotus seed paste or red bean paste, are made from Indian Pluchea and its bittersweet flavour represents the ups and downs of life. They are said to have healing properties that can help detoxify our bodies and warm our stomachs.
This sacred holiday is usually celebrated across various Buddhist temples and monasteries across the city. The most popular celebration takes place at the Po Lin Monastery on Lantau Island, home to the famous Tian Tan Buddha statue – aka The Big Buddha – as well as locations such as the Chi Lin Nunnery and the 10,000 Buddhas Monastery.
For unique, family-friendly experiences, make your way to Victoria Park on May 15 and join in on the annual carnival offering festivities like a vegetarian food fair, carnival games, a parade, along with various rituals such as bathing of the Buddha, sutra copying, and more.
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