S’pore biggest pet blessing at open field near NEX shopping mall from May 10-12 as part of Vesak celebration

If Thekchen Choling Singapore doesn’t ring a bell to you, you probably have read about this temple in Jalan Besar that gives devotees’ furkids blessings on the eve of Vesak Day.

This year marks the fourth edition of this event.

Given its overwhelming popularity, Thekchen Choling Singapore will be holding the blessing experience outside of the temple this year.

Three-day event outside NEX from May 10 to 12

The pet blessing experience will be part of the Our Joyous Vesak 2025 event, held from May 10 to 12, at an open field next to NEX shopping mall in Serangoon.

There’s bigger space, more time and greater convenience to welcome more animals to come and receive their blessings from Venerable Sanghas.

Animal welfare organisations such as Action for Singapore Dogs (ASD) and Metta Cats & Dogs Sanctuary will also set up booths at this event.

It’s not just about animal blessings, but also an opportunity for all to learn more about Vesak Day, a major Buddhist festival that celebrates the Buddha’s enlightenment.

Other highlights of Our Joyous Vesak 2025

One of the event highlights is the rare display of a Giant Wish-Fulfilling Thangka of Shakyamuni Buddha, a sacred art piece from the Tibetan tradition.

A team of craftsmen from India spent six months bringing this thangka to life, using the appliqué method.

Commissioned by Singha Rinpoche, the spiritual director of Thekchen Choling, this thangka is unveiled only once a year during Vesak Day. This time, the thangka will be fully unveiled from 4.5-storey height.

A 16-foot replica of the Bodhgaya Stupa – a first-of-its-kind spiritual installation in Singapore – will also be on display.

The actual Bodhgaya Stupa is an UNESCO monument in India where the Buddha attained enlightenment.

There are also games, rides, food and Instagram-worthy spots for friends and families to celebrate Vesak Day. Much like a carnival.

At night, Thekchen Choling will also hold a Wisdom Mind Illumination Walk. It is a poetic light procession in the evening, with LED candles and sacred texts.

Whether you have a pet or not, Buddhist or not, you are welcome to join the event.

Here’s an overview of the programme:

Details of Our Joyous Vesak 2025

Date/Time: May 10-12

Location: Open field outside NEX

No registration required, and all are welcomed.

Website: https://thekchencholing.org/page/vesak

The writer of this branded article by Thekchen Choling Singapore looks forward to cute photos of furkids getting blessed each year.

Top image from Thekchen Choling Singapore/Facebook