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Malaysia Vesak Day is a festival celebrated by Buddhists all across the world, especially in Malaysia. The celebration is known as Vesak which comes from the name of a month in the Indian calendar. The day is also referred to as Buddha’s Birthday, Buddha Day or Buddha Purnima.
Vesak Day 2025 Malaysia will also witness all the rituals and preparations that began weeks ago and will be strictly followed on the day itself. Every year on this special day, thousands of Buddhist devotees across Malaysia gather to celebrate. The activities begin at dawn in Buddhist temples throughout the country. Let's explore this special day with Asia King Travel.
Vesak Day 2025 Malaysia will be observed on May 12. The day is celebrated on the Monday closest to May's full moon. The event starts at dawn, when Buddhists gather at temples. The festival also contains Buddhist principles, which means they should honor life, show generosity, embrace celibacy and use speech wisely.
Vesak Day festival 2025 will begin on May 12 in Malaysia (Source: Nikko Concept)
They should also avoid drinking and eat only at set hours. Aside from that, there are other additional regulations that must be followed when celebrating this occasion and the festival is celebrated in a variety of ways, but Malaysia's version is one of the most colourful and enjoyable.
Buddhism is one of the oldest religions in the world, and even today, many people follow the path taught by Gautama Buddha. Vesak Day marks three major events in the Buddha's life: his birth, his awakening, and his passing into Nirvana. Buddhists around the world celebrate this day as a way to honor his teachings on compassion and service to humanity.
Vesak Day celebrations at the Chetawan Buddhist Temple in Selangor (Source: Kiwanis ASPAC)
In 1950, during the World Fellowship of Buddhists conference held in Sri Lanka, Vesak was officially recognized as the Buddha’s birthday. Originating in India, Buddhism gradually spread its teachings to other cultures, and thus, Vesak is celebrated in different ways across the world. However, its essence remains the same - to honor the teachings of Gautama Buddha, whose contributions are considered among the greatest to mankind.
At dawn, Buddhists gather at temples to meditate and reflect on the Buddhist precepts. Devotees who observe these precepts are encouraged to respect all forms of life, practice compassion, uphold chastity, speak mindfully, refrain from alcohol, and eat only at designated times. They are also advised to avoid listening to music, limit sleep, and keep their appearance simple and modest.
Bathing the Buddha on the morning of Vesak Day (Source: Malaysia News)
Many Buddhists visit the Malaysian Buddhist Association to bathe the Buddha statue with fragrant water three times - a ritual believed to cleanse the soul, bring inner peace, and eliminate greed. Devotees also visit monasteries to water sacred Bodhi trees using scented water in clay pots, helping to preserve these spiritually significant trees through the dry summer season.
People attending the services on Vesak Day make generous donations and prayers. They also present flowers and candles. The flowers wilt and candles melt, which means that nothing in this world is permanent. The monks recite Buddha's illuminating teachings, and the Buddha Flag is hoisted in temples.
The monks recite Buddha's illuminating teachings on Vesak Day 2025 (Source: Holiday Tours & Travel)
Much to the delight of all devout Buddhists in Malaysia, Vesak Day is considered one of the national public holidays. Many locals also hang the flags in their homes. Candlelight processions are carried out, and people light incense sticks, give food to the needy, and eat vegetarian food.
Read more: A Guide to Weather, Festivals & Activities in Malaysia
The candlelight procession is one of the most anticipated highlights of Vesak Day in Malaysia. As night falls, thousands of devotees walk in solemn unity, carrying candles, lotus-shaped lanterns, and images of the Buddha. Streets surrounding major temples in many cities like Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Ipoh - are illuminated with soft, glowing lights, creating a serene and spiritual atmosphere.
Candle procession - The most lively activity in Vesak Day in Malaysia (Source: Tbcm)
Vesak Day is celebrated in almost all the states in Malaysia, but here are a few places that are worth visiting and from where you can make the most of the celebrations.
Kek Lok Si Temple is one of the largest and most spectacular Buddhist temples located on a hill on Penang Island, featuring a 36-meter-tall statue of Quan Yin and a seven-story pagoda. The Vesak celebration here is exceptionally vibrant, with thousands of lanterns, processions, candle lighting, and Buddhist cultural performances. This is a must-visit spiritual destination if you want to experience Buddhist culture in Malaysia.
Kek Lok Si Temple (Source: Penang Foodie)
Maha Vihara is one of Malaysia’s largest Buddhist temples. It is a Sri Lankan temple located in the Brickfields area of Kuala Lumpur. The temple becomes the focal point for Malaysia's annual Vesak celebrations in the outskirts of the city.
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Buddhist Maha Vihara (Source: Trip)
Thean Hou Temple is currently the largest temple in Southeast Asia. It is always among the top tourist destinations and popular spots for photography in the capital city of Kuala Lumpur. During the Vesak festival, Thean Hou Temple also hosts many interesting cultural activities.
Thean Hou Temple (Source: TheSmartLocalMalaysia)
Wat Chetawan, a Thai temple established in 1957, is managed by the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand. It is also the only Siamese temple in Malaysia chosen to house the relics of the Buddha. On Malaysia's Vesak Day, Wat Chetawan holds numerous commemorative activities.
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Wat Chetawan (Source: Reddit)
Part of the Taiwanese Buddhist Fo Guang Shan system, this temple features modern architecture and is known for its tranquil atmosphere, beautiful flower gardens, and cultural exhibitions that highlight Buddhist traditions. During Vesak Day, the temple organizes meaningful activities such as Buddha bathing ceremonies, Buddhist art exhibitions, light displays, and community meditation, attracting many devotees and tourists for prayer and spiritual experiences.
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Fo Guang Shan Dong Zen Temple (Source: Selangor)
Vesak Day in Malaysia is more than a religious observance. It is a moment that brings together people of diverse cultural and religious backgrounds in mutual respect and unity. The celebration serves as a meaningful platform to strengthen the spirit of harmony and tolerance that defines Malaysia’s pluralistic society. Book your cultural tour now and be part of this unforgettable spiritual celebration!
Read more: Exploring The best Festivals in Malaysia
