It's only in recent years that devotees in Hong Kong have had a day off to celebrate the birthday of the Lord Buddha. Although the exact day of the Buddha's birth is not known, when he was born in 560 BC his body was said to have shown 32 auspicious marks that indicated his future greatness.
The Buddha taught the Four Noble Truths: Life is sorrowful; Sorrow is due to attachment; Attachment can be overcome; and There is a path to follow to overcome attachment (the dharma or middle way).
Traditionally, worshippers show their reverence for the Buddha and his teachings with a ritual bathing of the Buddha at one of the many temples around the SAR. Whether it's an actual bathing of a tiny Buddha statue or a grand ceremony of mass virtual bathing at the Po Lin Monastery, the celebration is a solemn experience for both those who believe and the curious.
The Buddha's Birthday is celebrated on 21 May 2010.