Buddha’s Birthday

Join us in May 2024 (date TBC) to celebrate Buddha’s Birthday at the Oriental Museum.

Also known as Vesak, is celebrated around the world and commemorates the birth of Buddha in around 563 BCE. Born a prince, Buddha went on to renounce his privileged royal life and become a holy man, ultimately reaching Enlightenment. 

The Museum will be decorated in spectacular style with paper cranes and white lanterns and will provide lots of activities suitable for the whole family.

Buddhist practitioners will offer a guided meditation and a talk on Buddhism. There will also be an artist-led lantern making workshop for children, a gallery trail and a retelling of the story of Buddha’s life.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to pour flower-scented water over a statue of the infant Buddha, symbolising the cleansing of body, speech and thoughts.

There is no need to book, just drop in anytime between 12.00 – 4.00pm.

The event is free of charge.

Parking

Free parking is available for this event in the Oriental Museum carpark and overflow parking at Teikyo and Elvet Hill car parks. There is also metered parking close by the museum and the Howlands Park and Ride is a 15 minute walk away from the museum.

To plan your journey on public transport please use this link: http://www.traveline.info

You find more information on how to get to the museum here.

Accessibility

The event is wheelchair accessible. Guide dogs are welcome, but no other dogs or animals will be permitted.

You can find more information on accessiblity here.

Photography and filming will be taking place at this event. If you do not want your photograph taken, please contact a member of staff on the day.

Get involved

We are looking for Buddhist volunteers from any tradition to help develop and deliver the festival programme. If you are interested, please email Charlotte at the Oriental Museum or telephone +44 (0)191 334 5694.