SINGAPORE: While Vesak Day on May 19 is a one-day public holiday for most, celebrations will last for a week in Little India.

It was a multicultural start to the Vesak festivities, which were launched on Thursday by Finance Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam.

One highlight was a cheque presentation to Indian self-help group SINDA to help underprivileged students. They received S$100,000 from the Little India Shopkeeper and Heritage Association and the Singapore Buddhist Lodge.

Organisers also treated over 1,000 residents from old aged and welfare homes to a grand vegetarian dinner.

The meals are also available free for any visitor to Little India from Thursday till May 19.

Vesak celebrations in Serangoon Road began in 2002 and involved 19 organisations, including businesses, multi-religious groups and cultural troupes.

Since 2002, the Singapore Buddhist Lodge, Little India Shopkeepers and Heritage Association, Hindu Endowments Board, Taoist Federation and Jamiyah Singapore have been jointly involved in Vesak celebrations in Little India. - CNA/vm