Free Buddha’s birthday celebrations return to Durham’s Oriental Museum

Durham University’s Oriental Museum will once again celebrate Buddha’s Birthday with a range of free, family-friendly activities on Sunday 24 May, 2026.

Buddha’s Birthday, also known as Vesak, is celebrated around the world and commemorates the birth of Buddha in around 563 BCE.  

Whilst Buddha was born a prince, he went on to renounce his privileged royal life and become a holy man, ultimately reaching enlightenment.   

The Buddha’s Birthday event will include guided meditation and yoga sessions, a children’s gallery trail and a retelling of Buddha’s life story. Artist Lauri Bower will also be running a paper collage workshop.

Visitors can also take part in a traditional Buddha Bathing ceremony, where a statue of Buddha is bathed in fragrant water. The ritual not only commemorates Buddha’s birth but is symbolic of inner cleansing for those taking part. 

Heather Monro, Durham University Buddhist chaplain, collaborating with the Oriental Museum said:

“Each year when we celebrate the Buddha’s Birthday, we try to awaken compassion and wisdom in our own lives just as the Buddha did. We are looking forward to welcoming people to the event which will open with a chant of the Buddha’s words of loving kindness.”

Charlotte Spink, Learning and Engagement Coordinator at the Oriental Museum said: “Museums are great spaces to slow down, reflect or perhaps think in a new way. We hope this event can help people do that.

“Whether it’s listening to the story of Buddha’s life, or taking part in Buddha Bathing or yoga, there will be something to stimulate the body and mind for everyone.”

All activities are free of charge. Visitors can drop in anytime between 12 noon and 3pm to join the fun.