Buddha Birthday Celebrations

Bathing Rituals and Blessing Ceremonies...
May 15, 2024
Tian Tan Buddha in Hong Kong

Buddha Birthday celebrations throughout the world vary from place to place according to the different schools of the faith that have developed.

In Hong Kong, the birthday of Lord Buddha remains one of the largest Buddhist festivals and it is a National Holiday celebrated on the 8th day of the 4th moon in the Lunar calendar, normally in April or May on the Western calendar. In 2024 it will be on May 15, 2024.

Buddha Birthday Celebrations at Po Lin Monastery
The Three Great Golden Buddhas at Po Lin Monastery

On this occasion, Buddhist temples and monasteries throughout the territory are buzzing with activity...

... lanterns are lit to symbolize the Buddha's enlightment...

... altars are adorned with offerings and incense...

... and thousands of worshippers come to pay their respects and join in the celebrations...

Water plays an important part of the festivities as images of the Buddha are bathed to signify spiritual purity.

Bathing of the Buddha Ceremonies

Bathing of Buddha Ritual

During this cleansing ritual which involves bowing and offering a prayer, a ladle is filled with water and poured over the Buddha statue.

The meaning of the rite is purification of your own soul.

Worshippers and the public can participate in the Bathing ceremonies as well as other activities including

  • Group chanting and prayer sessions
  • Vegetarian cooking demonstrations
  • Kung fu and various cultural performances


2024 Lord Buddha's Birthday Celebrations in Hong Kong
May 15, 2024

This is a wonderful week to visit some of Hong Kong's buddhist temples and shrines as they will be bustling with activity. It is a great way to get a peek into the old traditions and customs of Hong Kong.

Here's what's going on at some of the city's most notable venues:

The Big Buddha and Po Lin Monastery Events

One of the major celebrations in Hong Kong takes place at the Po Lin Monastery in Lantau Island where the Tian Tan Big Buddha sits nearby.

This is also one of Hong Kong's major attractions and one of our favorite day trips. Getting there with the fantastic Ngong Ping Cable Car is the icing on the cake.

Tian Tan Lord Buddha Birthday in Hong Kong

What?: Buddha Bathing Ceremony
When?: May 15, 2024 - various times
Where?: The Hall of the Great Hero
How Much?: FREE
In addition, religious services and the Great Compassion Repentance Service during the Buddha's Birthday is normally held during the week leading to the Buddha Birthday celebration.

More Info:

Hong Kong Buddhist Association Events

This organization has been hosting large-scale "Bathing Buddha" ceremonies since 1999.

In 2012, a special celebration took place when the Association organised a Grand Blessing Ceremony dedicated to all citizens of Hong Kong to commemorate the 15th Anniversary of the handover to China.

The highlight of the celebration was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the Buddha's Parietal-bone Relic which was brought to Hong Kong for the first time. This relic is believed to be a part of the skull of the Supreme Buddha Sakyamuni, the only known in the world and naturally one of the highest spiritual objects in Buddhism.

Hong Kong Buddhist Association Lord Buddha Events

The Hong Kong Buddhist Association will hold a Festival to celebrate the Buddha's birthday with the public. The three-day celebration will include the Bathing of the Buddha Ceremony, Buddhist Lectures, Diamond Sutra Auspicious Chanting Ceremony, Auspicious Lantern Dharma Ceremony, Ten Thousand People Convert Ceremony and more.

Non-Buddhists are also welcome to join.

What?: Buddha's Birthday Festival
When?: May 15 - 17, 2024
Where?: The Hong Kong Coliseum

More Info: www.hkbuddhist.org (In Chinese), visit their FB page or call +852 2574 9371 for details.

The Chi Lin Nunnery Celebrations

Chi Lin Nunnery

The Chi Lin Nunnery is located in the Diamond Hill District and it is in one word blissful... Truly an oasis of calmness and beauty and worth a visit, during the Buddha Birthday celebrations or at any other time during the year. Specially when combined with a visit to the nearby Nan Lian Gardens:

Nan Lian Gardens

What?: Buddha Bathing Ceremonies and Celebrations
When?: TBC May 15, 2024 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Where?: Chi Lin Nunnery
How Much?: FREE

More Info:

The 10,000 Buddha Monastery

10000 Buddha Monastery

In Sha Tin, the New Territories, this is also a great place to check out the celebrations. There is a steep climb to reach the Monastery, but it is well-worth it! Not recommended for wheelchair-bound travellers.

What?: Buddha Bathing Ceremonies and complimentary vegetarian noodles
When?: TBC - May 15, 2024 - 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Where?: Ten Thousand Buddha Monastery
How Much?: FREE first-come-first-served

More Info:

Buddha's Birthday Celebrations by the Buddha's Light International Association

Buddha Birthday Carnival at Victoria Park

Organised by the Buddha's Light International Association of Hong Kong, this is normally a big celebration with tens of thousands of people attending at Victoria Park.

The celebrations include a vegetarian food fair, carnival games, a flower show, arts and crafts, as well as a "Kid's Paradise" entertainment zone.

The public takes part in rituals such as bathing the Buddha, wish-making, meditating, and sutras calligraphy, which serve to purify one's mind.

When?: May 15, 2024
Where?: Victoria Park.
How Much?: FREE

More Info: The Buddha's Light International Association or check their FB Page

Here's more on Hong Kong Religion, Traditions and Temples.

Discount Tickets on Most Popular Attractions

Klook.com

Hong Kong Staycation Hot Deals

Klook.com

Booking.com

Hong Kong Events By Month

Most Popular Excursions in Hong Kong

Book with confidence! Free cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund

Send a Tip!

Got something to share? Let us know!