Since ancient times, Buddhists all around the world celebrate the Buddha’s birthday by using fragrant water to bathe the statue of the infant Buddha – Prince Siddhartha.

The act of pouring fragrant water three times over the shoulder of the infant Buddha holds much significance as it symbolises the purification of our body, speech and mind to cultivate wisdom. The universal message is that, “it is easy to wash away physical dirt, but much more difficult to cleanse one’s inner impurities of anger, greed and ignorance.”

Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike are welcome to partake in this significant ritual which involves standing or kneeling in front of the baby Buddha with sincerity and pouring water over the shoulder three times by saying with each pour:

1ST WASH: MAY I ELIMINATE ALL EVIL THOUGHTS

2ND WASH: MAY I CULTIVATE GOOD DEEDS

3RD WASH: MAY I HELP SAVE ALL LIVING BEINGS

According to historians, the tradition of bathing the Buddha dates back as far as the Three Kingdoms Period (220-280CE) in China.

In addition to the Bathing Buddha at the Main Alter, several bathing stations will be conveniently placed around the Festival precinct to allow enough space for the crowds anticipated for this popular Festival activity.

Come and partake in this meaningful ritual by following the steps to bathe the Buddha.