Jointly reported by:
Heidi Tan Zhi-Qi Jr2Z(3)
Ang Yu Shin Jr2S(2)
Photography by:
Team Photography Newsletter Club
On the 19th and 20th of May 2026, Kuen Cheng High School organised several meaningful educational activities to celebrate Wesak Day. The event was held at Block A and was open to all teachers and students to participate. Throughout the celebration, the atmosphere was cheerful, lively, and festive.
Wesak Day is one of the most important celebrations in Buddhist culture. It is observed to commemorate the Buddha’s birth, his attainment of enlightenment, and his passing away (Parinirvana). It originated from the word Vesak which is derived from the Pali term vesākha and the Sanskrit vaiśākha, which is considered the month of Buddha’s birth. Many countries celebrate it as a predominant Buddhist festival, and in 1999, the United Nations officially recognized Vesak Day as an international observance to honor its cultural and spiritual importance.
One of the programme highlights was the Buddha Bathing Ceremony, which allowed students to engage with a meaningful Buddhist tradition and understand its symbolic significance. Students would kneel down and bathe the Buddha while uttering the verses of bathing the Buddha. Bathing the Buddha symbolises the purifying of the mind and cultivating kindness and compassion in one’s mindset whilst gaining a deeper appreciation of Buddhist values and cultural practices. Students participated respectfully and attentively, gaining a deeper appreciation of Buddhist values and cultural practices.
(Photo 1: Student kneeling by the Bathing Stand, Bathing the Buddha)
Besides that, there was a hand-copying Buddhist scriptures workshop. Students patiently copied the Heart Sutra which is otherwise translated to “The Heart of the Perfection of Wisdom” while learning the importance of mindfulness, concentration, and inner peace. The activity constructed a calm and meaningful atmosphere.
(Photo 2: A teacher meticulously copying the Heart Sutra scriptures)
To make the programme even more interactive, a photobooth was prepped with beautiful decorations and explanatory information related to Wesak Day. Students enjoyed taking photographs with their friends and teachers while appreciating the cultural displays and festive atmosphere.
In addition, the members of the Buddhist Society distributed Buddhist birthday biscuits, auspicious sweets, colourful blessing strings and tea to students during the activities. The small gifts brought joy to many students and added warmth to the programme. The colourful strings symbolised blessings, peace, and good wishes for everyone.
(Photo 3: A member of the Buddhist Society tying a blessing string on the participant)
Physics Teacher Mr Tan Foo Khoon was interviewed, and expressed positive thoughts about the celebration. He explained that organising cultural events in school is important because it helps students develop mutual respect and understanding among different races and religions. “I hope students can cleanse themselves of negative thoughts and calm their fluctuating emotions after the stressful exam week.”
Student Yeoh Qiao Xuan, who is a member of the Buddhist Society was also interviewed about her thoughts on the event. She expressed that the objective of this activity was to help participating students gain a deeper understanding of Buddhism and maintain open views of religious societies.
