Vesak

Buddhism adherents around the world commemorate Vesak Day. It commemorates Buddha's enlightenment and death. In Theravada, Tibetan Buddhism, and Navayana, the festival commemorates Gautama Buddha's birth, enlightenment (Nibbāna), and death (Parinirvāna).

In the East Asian tradition, the Buddha's birthday is typically celebrated around the traditional timing of Vesak, while the Buddha's awakening and passing away are celebrated separately as Bodhi Day and Nibbāna Day, which occur at different times in the calendar. Vesak is celebrated on the full moon day of the Vaisakha month in South Asian tradition, and it commemorates the Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and ultimate passing away. The month of May usually has one full moon, but because there are 29.5 days between full moons, there are occasionally two. Singapore celebrates the holiday on the second full moon if there are two full moons in May.

On Vesak, devout Buddhists and followers gather in temples before dawn for the ceremonial and honorable hoisting of the Buddhist flag and the singing of hymns in praise of the holy triple gem: The Buddha, The Dharma (his teachings), and The Sangha (his disciples). Devotees may bring simple offerings of flowers, candles, and joss sticks to place at their teacher's feet. These symbolic offerings are meant to remind followers that, just as the beautiful flowers wither after a short time and the candles and joss-sticks burn out, so is life subject to decay and destruction. Devotees are urged to make a concerted effort to avoid all forms of violence. They are encouraged to eat only vegetarian food for the entire day. In some countries, such as Sri Lanka, two days are set aside for Vesak celebrations, during which all liquor stores and slaughterhouses are closed by government decree.

Thousands of birds, insects, and animals are also released in what is known as life release to provide freedom to those who are held captive, imprisoned, or tortured against their will. (However, the practice is prohibited in some countries, such as Singapore, because the released animals are unable to survive long-term or may have a negative impact on the local ecosystem if they do). Some devout Buddhists will dress in simple white clothing and spend the entire day in temples renewing their commitment to the eight precepts.

Takes place: Full moon of the lunar month of Vesākha, usually in April, May or June.