Vesak, also known as Buddha Day, is the most important festival in Buddhism.[#1825] On the full moon day of the Indian lunar month of Vesakha, which usually falls in May, Theravada Buddhists in Southeast Asia celebrate the birth, enlightenment and death of the Buddha in a single day. Mahayana Buddhists often celebrate these events separately.
Meaning of Vesak
According to Buddhist scriptures, the Buddha's birth, enlightenment (at age 35), and death (at age 80) all occurred on the full moon day of Vesakha. His death, which is more commonly referred to as his "passing into nirvana," is just as worthy of celebration as his birth and enlightenment, because he escaped the cycle of reincarnation and attained nirvana.[#1825]
Vesak Rituals and Observances
Celebrations of Vesakh vary by location, culture, and Buddhist sect, but most Buddhists will celebrate the holiday by visiting a temple (sometimes throughout the full-moon night), donating food or supplies to monks or temples, releasing birds in honor of the Buddha's compassion, reaffirming one's commitment to the Buddha's teachings, chanting, meditating, and/or listening to sermons.[#1825] [#1830]
In many Buddhist countries, Vesakh is a festival of lights. Temples and shrines may be illuminated with candles or oil lamps; in Sri Lanka, paper lanterns are burned at the end of the festival.[#1826]