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Buddha"s Birthday

the birthday of the Gautama Buddha traditionally celebrated in East Asia on the eighth day of the fourth month in the Chinese lunar calendar, is an official holiday in Hong Kong, Macau, and South Korea.

Some places have a public holiday one week later, on the fifteenth day of the fourth month in the Chinese Lunar Calendar, to coincide with the full moon. For instance, Visakha Bucha in Thailand or Lễ Phật đản in Vietnam was such a holiday on May 12 in 2006. Singapore also celebrates Vesak Day on the fifteenth day of the fourth month in the Chinese Lunar Calendar.

The birthday of Lord Buddha is a celebration of great reverence in Hong Kong"s Buddhist temples.

Worshippers show their devotion throughout the day by bathing Buddha"s statue. Celebrations centre round the major temples and monasteries in Hong Kong. Po Lin Monastery on Lantau Island, home to the world"s largest, seated, outdoor bronze Buddha, is one of hubs of activity at this time. Enjoy sumptuous Chinese vegetarian dishes at Po Lin Monastery; observe the ceremonies at Miu Fat Monastery in Tuen Mun, in the New Territories.



There is no better way to take in the solemnity of this spectacle and to enjoy one of Hong Kong"s treasures than to join a tour.