Ullambana, the Hungry Ghost Festival and the Dhamma: Remembering the Departed with Gratitude and Compassion in a Malaysian Buddhist Way at Ti-Ratana Lumbini Garden, Puchong
 

Ullambana, also widely associated with the Hungry Ghost Festival or Zhongyuan Festival, is traditionally observed during the Seventh Lunar Month. In 2026, the fifteenth day of the Seventh Lunar Month falls on 27 August, while Ti-Ratana Lumbini Garden, Puchong will hold its Ullambana observances on 29 and 30 August 2026.
 

For many Buddhists across Asia, Ullambana is a meaningful time to remember departed parents, grandparents, relatives and loved ones with gratitude, compassion and filial devotion. In Chinese popular tradition, the Seventh Lunar Month is sometimes associated with the belief that beings from the spirit realms are able to visit the human world. From a Buddhist perspective, however, the deeper emphasis of Ullambana is not fear of spirits, but the cultivation of wholesome kamma, generosity and compassion, together with the dedication and sharing of merit for departed beings.
 

The Buddhist tradition of Ullambana is closely associated with the story of Mahāmaudgalyāyana (Mahā Moggallāna), who sought the Buddha’s guidance after seeing his deceased mother suffering in an unfortunate state of rebirth. The story became an important expression of filial gratitude and the wish to relieve the suffering of departed beings through wholesome actions and offerings.

Devotees may participate by chanting, reciting suttas or sutras, making offerings, practising generosity and dedicating the resulting merits to departed relatives and other beings. Offerings may include robes, candles, flowers, fruits and other items used in support of Buddhist practice. Rather than seeking material “luck” for ourselves, Ullambana reminds us to transform remembrance into wholesome action, cultivating gratitude towards those who came before us and compassion towards all beings who suffer.




 

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All are welcome to join us in chanting, merit-making, and remembrance of departed loved ones.

May the merits of our wholesome actions be shared with our departed relatives and all beings.

 

Packed lunch bento boxes will be provided after the Puja service on Sunday, while light refreshments will be provided at night after the Puja service on both Saturday and Sunday.
 

Sabbe sattā bhavantu sukhitattā.
May all beings be well and happy.

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This Ullambana, donors can now make donations online directly using DuitNow QR, TouchNGo eWallet, GrabPay, ShopeePay, Boost eWallet, Online Banking, Debit and Credit Cards, Google Pay and Apple Pay with Fiuu via the Ti-Ratana Buddhist Society Donation Portal at https://donation.ti-ratana.org/event/19/lumbini-garden-ulambana-2026.