Vesak Day 2025: Public Holiday Dates & Wishes for Staffs

Vesak Day is an important religious holiday for Buddhists in Malaysia.

In 2025, it will be celebrated on Monday, May 12. This day is also a federal public holiday, which means most employees are entitled to a day off with pay.

For employers, Vesak Day is a good time to show respect for different cultures and support a positive workplace.

It’s also a chance to improve employee satisfaction and build stronger connections with your team.

Let’s explore how to make Vesak Day a respectful and valuable experience for both your employees and your business.

Is Vesak Day a Public Holiday in Malaysia?

Yes, Vesak Day is a public holiday in Malaysia.

It is a federal holiday, which means it is celebrated in all states and territories.

In 2025, Vesak Day will fall on Monday, May 12. This creates a long weekend from Saturday to Monday.

Employers in Malaysia must follow the Employment Act 1955 during public holidays.

If employees work on Vesak Day, they must receive benefits like paid leave or overtime pay.

For business owners, especially in retail and hospitality, it is important to plan ahead. A long weekend can lead to more customers or more leave requests from staff.

Celebrating Vesak Day also shows respect for Malaysia’s diverse culture.

It is an important day for the Buddhist community, including Chinese, Siamese, and other groups in the country.

A Brief History of Vesak Day

The word Wesak or Vesak comes from the Pali word Vesakha.

In Sanskrit, it is called Vaisakha, which is the name of a month in the Hindu calendar. This month marks the start of the fifth month in the calendar.

Wesak Day is a public holiday in all states of Malaysia. It is usually celebrated in April or May, depending on the lunar calendar.

The decision to celebrate Wesak Day as the day of Buddha’s birth was made during the first World Fellowship of Buddhists conference held in Sri Lanka in 1950.

How Vesak Day is Celebrated in Malaysia

Today marks three important events in the life of Buddha – his birth, enlightenment, and passing (Parinirvana).

This special day is known as Wesak Day and is celebrated by Buddhists around the world.

One of the world’s largest Buddha statues is located in Kampung Jambu, Tumpat, Kelantan.

This reclining Buddha statue at Wat Phothivihan is the second largest in the world, after the one in Myanmar.

Tumpat, Kelantan is home to three famous Buddha statues:

The reclining Buddha at Wat Phothivihan in Kampung Jambu, Jalan Meranti – second largest in the world.
The sitting Buddha in Kampung Jubakar, Bunohan – second largest in Southeast Asia.
The standing Buddha in Kampung Terbok.

In countries like Singapore and Taiwan, some Buddhists practice self-sacrifice during Wesak Day celebrations.

One common act is walking on hot coals to honour the birth of the deity Bao-sheng Da-di.

How Other Countries Celebrate Vesak Day

Different countries have their own special ways to honour this day.

These global traditions can give Malaysian employers ideas to support a more inclusive and respectful workplace.

Sri Lanka

In Sri Lanka, Vesak Day is called Vesak Poya. It is a national holiday.

People decorate their homes and streets with colorful lanterns and lights.

Temples give out free food at stalls called Dansalas.

This shows the spirit of sharing and kindness.

Thailand

In Thailand, the day is known as Visakha Bucha Day.

People visit temples, pray, and walk in candlelight processions.

Many also release birds or fish into nature as a way to do a good deed.

India

India is home to Bodh Gaya, the place where Buddha reached enlightenment.

On Vesak Day, pilgrims from around the world gather there to pray and meditate under the Bodhi tree.

Singapore

Temples such as the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple in Singapore hold cultural events and charity programs.

Many companies let their staff leave work early so they can join in the celebrations.

Indonesia

In Indonesia, Vesak is celebrated at Borobudur Temple.

Thousands of people come together to release sky lanterns during a large procession.

The event is both peaceful and beautiful to watch.

Vesak Day Wishes & Greetings for Staffs (English & Bahasa Melayu)

10 Vesak Day Wishes in English

Happy Vesak Day!
May this day bring peace, love, and happiness to you and your family. Thank you for being part of [Your Company Name].
Wishing you a joyful Vesak Day!
May the values of compassion and kindness guide your day.
On this sacred day, may we remember to treat others with respect and understanding. Happy Vesak Day!
Have a peaceful Vesak Day!
May your heart be filled with calm, and your mind with clarity.
Happy Vesak Day from all of us at [Your Company Name]!
We are thankful for your contributions and dedication.
May the spirit of Vesak remind us to spread kindness in everything we do. Have a meaningful celebration.
On this special day, let us honour peace, harmony, and care for others. Wishing you a blessed Vesak Day.
Sending warm wishes for a calm and meaningful Vesak Day. Enjoy this time with your loved ones.
May the teachings of Lord Buddha bring light to your path. Happy Vesak Day to you and your family.
Wishing you strength and wisdom this Vesak Day. May we continue working together in peace and harmony.

10 Ucapan Hari Wesak dalam Bahasa Melayu

Selamat Hari Wesak!
Semoga hari ini membawa ketenangan, kebahagiaan dan kesyukuran dalam hidup anda.
Kami di [Nama Syarikat] mengucapkan Selamat Hari Wesak
Terima kasih kerana terus memberi sumbangan kepada pasukan kami.
Semoga Hari Wesak ini menjadi waktu yang penuh kedamaian dan kasih sayang bersama keluarga.
Di Hari Wesak yang mulia ini, mari kita sama-sama menyemai nilai-nilai murni dalam kerja dan kehidupan.
Salam sejahtera dan Selamat Hari Wesak!
Semoga anda diberkati dengan kebijaksanaan dan kesabaran.
Ucapan tulus dari kami di [Nama Syarikat]
Semoga Hari Wesak anda dirayakan dengan penuh makna.
Selamat menyambut Hari Wesak!
Kami menghargai kerja keras dan dedikasi anda setiap hari.
Hari Wesak ini, marilah kita terus berusaha menjadi insan yang penyayang dan bertimbang rasa.
Semoga semangat Hari Wesak memberi ketenangan dan kekuatan dalam hidup anda.
Terima kasih kerana menjadi sebahagian daripada [Nama Syarikat]
Selamat Hari Wesak, semoga kehidupan anda sentiasa aman dan bahagia.

Vesak Day Wishes for WhatsApp

Use these short and friendly messages for team or individual chats.

English (for WhatsApp)

Happy Vesak Day! Wishing you and your family a peaceful and meaningful celebration.
Sending you warm wishes this Vesak Day. May your heart be filled with kindness and peace.
May today remind us to be kind and thankful. Happy Vesak Day!
Wishing you a joyful Vesak Day from all of us at [Your Company Name]!
Let’s continue to spread peace and compassion in all we do. Happy Vesak Day!

Bahasa Melayu (untuk WhatsApp)

Selamat Hari Wesak! Semoga anda dan keluarga dilimpahi kedamaian dan kasih sayang.
Salam Hari Wesak! Terima kasih atas usaha dan semangat anda setiap hari.
Hari Wesak ini, semoga anda diberi ketenangan dan kebahagiaan.
Salam hormat dari kami di [Nama Syarikat]. Selamat menyambut Hari Wesak!
Terima kasih kerana menjadi sebahagian daripada pasukan kami. Selamat Hari Wesak!

Vesak Day Wishes for Email

Use these slightly longer messages for internal email announcements or holiday greetings.

English (for Email)

Subject: Wishing You a Peaceful Vesak Day

Dear [Employee Name / Team],

As we celebrate Vesak Day, we would like to thank you for your dedication and kindness throughout the year. May this day bring you peace, happiness, and time to reflect on the values of compassion and harmony.

Happy Vesak Day from all of us at [Your Company Name]!

Subject: Vesak Day Greetings from [Your Company Name]

Wishing you and your loved ones a meaningful Vesak Day. May the teachings of Buddha inspire us to live with patience, peace, and gratitude in our personal lives and in the workplace.

Have a safe and joyful holiday!

Bahasa Melayu (untuk Emel)

Subjek: Ucapan Selamat Hari Wesak dari [Nama Syarikat]

Kepada [Nama Pekerja / Pasukan],

Sempena Hari Wesak ini, kami ingin mengucapkan ribuan terima kasih atas usaha dan sumbangan anda selama ini.

Semoga Hari Wesak memberi ketenangan, kebahagiaan, dan semangat baru kepada anda dan keluarga.

Selamat menyambut Hari Wesak daripada kami semua di [Nama Syarikat].

Subjek: Salam Hari Wesak

Selamat Hari Wesak!

Semoga hari ini menjadi waktu untuk menghayati nilai kedamaian dan kasih sayang dalam kehidupan dan pekerjaan.

Terima kasih atas segala komitmen anda.

Vesak Day Wishes for Social Media Captions

Perfect for company posts on LinkedIn, Facebook, or Instagram.

English Captions

This Vesak Day, let’s celebrate the values of peace, kindness, and unity. Happy Vesak Day from all of us at [Your Company Name].
Wishing our team and community a meaningful Vesak Day. May we always be guided by wisdom and compassion.
Happy Vesak Day! May today be a time of reflection, gratitude, and peace for all.
On this special day, we honour the teachings of peace and love. From all of us at [Your Company Name], Selamat Hari Wesak!
May this Vesak Day bring light, joy, and harmony to you and your loved ones.

Bahasa Melayu (Kapsyen Media Sosial)

Selamat Hari Wesak kepada semua kakitangan dan rakan kerja kami! Semoga hari ini membawa kedamaian dan kebahagiaan.
Hari Wesak adalah masa untuk kita menghayati nilai kasih sayang dan keharmonian. Salam sejahtera dari [Nama Syarikat].
Selamat menyambut Hari Wesak! Semoga anda terus diberkati dengan ketenangan dan kasih sayang.
Marilah kita semua menyebarkan semangat kebaikan dan perpaduan. Salam Hari Wesak dari [Nama Syarikat]! Hari ini kita raikan kedamaian dan kebijaksanaan. Selamat Hari Wesak dari kami semua di [Nama Syarikat].

Wesak Day: Paid Leave & Overtime Rules in Malaysia

From a human resource management perspective, public holidays like Wesak Day have clear labour law implications.

According to the Employment Act 1955, employees are entitled to paid leave on 11 public holidays, including Wesak Day.

If your business operates during public holidays:

Employees required to work must be paid double the ordinary rate of pay for the day.
If the employee works overtime on top of that, the rate increases to three times the hourly rate.

Some companies offer replacement leave or time-off in lieu for employees who work on Wesak Day, as part of their internal HR policy.

FAQs about Wesak Day 2025 & Malaysian Public Holidays

Is Vesak Day 2025 a public holiday in all Malaysian states?

Yes, Vesak Day on May 12, 2025, is a federal public holiday observed in all states and territories, including Sabah and Sarawak.

Are employees entitled to paid leave on Vesak Day?

Yes, under the Employment Act 1955, all employees are entitled to a paid day off on Vesak Day or overtime pay if they work.

How can employers celebrate Vesak Day with their staff?

Employers can share Vesak Day wishes, host a vegetarian lunch, or support charity drives to align with the holiday’s values of kindness and compassion.

What happens if an employee works on Vesak Day?

Employees who work on Vesak Day must receive at least double their normal hourly rate for the hours worked, as required by law.

Can businesses stay open during Vesak Day?

Yes, businesses can operate, but they must comply with labor laws, including providing paid leave or overtime pay for employees working on the holiday.

Are you looking for new staffs?

Start your hiring journey with AJobThing today! Post your job ads, connect with top talents on multiple platform like Maukerja, Ricebowl, and Epicareer with our easy-to-use platform.