Our Joyous Vesak 2026 Returns Bigger Than Ever as Thekchen Choling Singapore Celebrates 25 Years

In celebration of its Silver Jubilee, Thekchen Choling Singapore is bringing back its annual Our Joyous Vesak festival on a much larger scale this year, transforming the open field beside NEX into a vibrant week-long community celebration from 25 to 31 May.

Expanding from last year’s three-day event into a full week of activities, Our Joyous Vesak 2026 will feature cultural showcases, wellness programmes, family-friendly experiences, community outreach initiatives and spiritual observances that are open to everyone, regardless of faith or background. This year’s edition draws inspiration from the Buddhist parable of the Four Friends, reflecting themes of harmony, compassion and mutual respect throughout the festival’s design and programming.

The festival opens on 25 May with the unveiling of the Giant Wish-Fulfilling Shakyamuni Buddha Thangka at 7pm. Standing four storeys tall, the hand-sewn appliqué thangka is made from silk brocade, beads and sequins, and is recognised as the largest Shakyamuni Buddha appliqué thangka in Southeast Asia. Visitors will also be able to view a 16-foot replica of the Bodhgaya Stupa, modelled after the UNESCO World Heritage site in India that marks the place where the Buddha attained enlightenment over 2,600 years ago.

Returning for its fifth year, the Animal Blessing Ceremony on 26 May at 7pm remains one of the festival’s most anticipated highlights. More than 1,000 pets and owners are expected to attend the annual ceremony, where Venerable Sanghas will bless animals with prayers for happiness, health and wellbeing. Ahead of the blessing, a Dharma Sharing session titled You Are Your Pet’s Guru will take place at 6pm, exploring mindful and compassionate pet ownership.

Throughout the week, pet owners can also participate in merit-making activities with their animals, including bathing the Buddha, offering flowers and circumambulating the stupa. Dharma Youth volunteers will also operate a Paw-traits booth where visitors can receive hand-drawn portraits of their pets.

The festival’s most sacred moments will take place on Vesak Eve and Vesak Day. On 30 May at 8pm, Spiritual Director Singha Rinpoche will lead the Grand Dharma Light Circumambulation, a candlelit procession symbolising the passing of the Buddha’s teachings across generations. On the morning of 31 May at 9.30am, Singha Rinpoche will also lead the Vesak Day Prayer for Universal Peace and Harmony, dedicated to healing and peace for those affected by conflict and suffering around the world.

As part of its community outreach efforts, Thekchen Choling will also partner with Braddell Heights Constituency on 30 May to organise the Heart of Giving Market, which will distribute fresh food and household essentials to lower income families. The initiative will be attended by Mr Seah Kian Peng, Speaker of Parliament, as Guest of Honour. The collaboration carries added significance as both organisations celebrate milestone anniversaries this year, with Thekchen Choling marking 25 years and Braddell Heights Constituency commemorating its 50th anniversary.

Beyond the religious and cultural activities, festivalgoers can also look forward to interactive experiences for all ages. Visitors can take part in games such as Whack-A-Worry and Shoot Your Shot, which combine play with lessons on mindfulness, focus and Buddhist teachings, while offering mystery gifts as prizes.

For those seeking a more reflective experience, Singha Rinpoche will host an open meditation session on 29 May at 8pm, focusing on cultivating calm and balance in daily life. On 30 May at 11.30am, Mind Transformations will also host a free public talk on positive mental wellbeing, drawing on its expertise in Neuro-Linguistic Programming, Neuro-Linguistic Enneagram and coaching certification programmes.

Marking 25 years of community and togetherness, Our Joyous Vesak 2026 invites Singaporeans from all walks of life to come together in the spirit of compassion, harmony and celebration during the Vesak season.