Buddha's Birthday

Buddha's Birthday, also known as Siddhartha Gautama's birth celebration, is a major religious observance in Hong Kong, where Buddhism has deep historical roots dating back to the Tang dynasty. The holiday commemorates the birth of the Buddha, founder of Buddhism, and falls on the eighth day of the fourth lunar month (in 2026, this corresponds to late May). Hong Kong's multicultural society embraces this day with both solemn rituals and vibrant festivities, reflecting the blend of traditional Chinese Buddhist practices and local customs. The holiday gained official recognition as a public holiday in Hong Kong under British colonial rule and continues to be observed with great reverence today.

In Hong Kong, Buddha's Birthday is marked by elaborate ceremonies at major temples such as Po Lin Monastery on Lantau Island and Wong Tai Sin Temple. Devotees participate in the ritual of ‘bathing the Buddha,’ where water is poured over a small statue of the infant Buddha to symbolize purification and renewal. Temples are adorned with lanterns and banners, and vegetarian meals are widely served to promote compassion. Many families visit temples to offer incense, fruits, and flowers, while monks chant sutras and lead meditation sessions. A common greeting during this time is "Fo zu jie kuai le" (Happy Buddha's Birthday), and celebrants often engage in releasing captured animals (such as birds or fish) as an act of merit. Parades featuring lion dances and floral floats are also held in some districts, combining spiritual devotion with community celebration.