Vesak facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Vesak |
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| Official name | Vesak, Vesākha, Buddha Jayanti, Buddha Purnima, Vaishakh Purnima, Saka Dawa |
| Also called | Buddha's Birthday or Buddha Day |
| Type | Religious |
| Significance | A historical day to remember the birth, enlightenment and death of the Gautama Buddha |
| Observances | Meditation, observing the Eight Precepts, partaking of vegetarian food, giving to charity, "bathing" the Buddha |
| Date | Full moon of the lunar month of Vesākha, usually in April, May or June. |
| 2022 date |
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| 2023 date | 2 June (Singapore) 4 June (Indonesia) |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Related to | Buddha's Birthday Other related festivals Laba Festival (in China) Rohatsu (in Japan) |
Vesak is a very important holiday for Buddhists around the world. It is also known by other names like Buddha Jayanti or Buddha Day. This special day celebrates three big events in the life of Gautama Buddha: his birth, when he became enlightened (meaning he understood the truth about life), and his death.
The name Vesak comes from the name of a lunar month, Vesākha, which is when Buddha was born. In some Buddhist traditions, like those in East Asia, Buddha's birthday is celebrated separately. But in South Asia, Vesak marks all three important events on the same day.
Contents
History of Vesak
Buddhist festivals have been celebrated for hundreds of years. However, the idea to celebrate Vesak as Buddha's birthday across many Buddhist countries was made official in 1950. This happened at a big meeting of Buddhists in Sri Lanka.
At this meeting, they asked leaders of all countries with Buddhists to make the full-moon day in May a public holiday. This was to honor Buddha, who is seen as one of humanity's greatest helpers.
In 2000, the United Nations (UN) decided to recognize Vesak as an international day. This means it's observed at their main offices around the world.
How Vesak is Celebrated
Vesak usually happens on the full moon day in May. Sometimes, if there are two full moons in May, different countries might celebrate on different full moon days.
On Vesak, Buddhists gather at temples before sunrise. They raise the Buddhist flag and sing songs praising the "triple gem": the Buddha, his teachings (called the Dharma), and his followers (the Sangha).
People bring simple gifts like flowers, candles, and incense sticks to the temple. These gifts remind them that life, like flowers and candles, doesn't last forever. Buddhists try their best not to harm any living thing on this day. They also eat only vegetarian food. In some places, like Sri Lanka, shops selling alcohol and meat are closed for two days.
Many people also release birds, insects, and animals that were held captive. This act is meant to give freedom to living beings. However, in some countries, like Singapore, this practice is not allowed because the released animals might not survive or could harm the local environment.
Some devoted Buddhists wear simple white clothes and spend the whole day at temples. They try to follow the eight precepts, which are rules for living a good life. They also try to follow the Five Precepts every day.
At some temples, there's a small Buddha statue in a basin of water and flowers. People pour water over the statue. This act is a way to clean away bad karma and remember the story of Buddha's birth.
People also listen to talks given by monks. Monks share Buddha's ancient words about peace and happiness. Buddhists are reminded to live peacefully with people of all faiths.
Bringing Happiness to Others
Vesak is also a time to help those who are not as lucky, like the elderly, disabled, or sick. Buddhists give gifts or volunteer at charity homes. It's a joyful time, but the joy comes from doing good deeds. People decorate temples with lights and create beautiful scenes from Buddha's life. Many also offer free food and drinks to visitors at temples.
Paying Respect to the Buddha
Before he died, Buddha told his follower Ananda not to be sad. He explained that everything changes and eventually breaks down, even his own body. He taught that his teachings, the Dharma, should be their guide because truth lasts forever. He also said that the best way to honor him was not just with flowers and incense, but by truly following his teachings.
When is Vesak Celebrated?
The exact date of Vesak changes each year because it's based on lunar calendars. It usually falls in April or May. In leap years, it might be in June. In Nepal, where Buddha was born, it's called Buddha Purnima.
In countries like Sri Lanka, Nepal, India, Bangladesh, and Malaysia, Vesak is celebrated on the first full moon in May.
In other countries, the date can be different:
- In Bhutan, it's on the 15th day of the fourth month of their lunar calendar.
- In Thailand, Laos, Singapore, and Indonesia, it's on the 14th or 15th day of the fourth month in the Chinese lunar calendar.
- In China, Korea, Vietnam, and the Philippines, Buddha's Birthday is on the 8th day of the fourth month in the Chinese lunar calendar.
- In Japan, Buddha's Birthday is celebrated on April 8th of the regular calendar.
- In Myanmar, it's called the Full Moon of Kasun and is a public holiday. People water Bodhi trees and chant.
Here's a table showing some dates for 2021:
| Year (CE) |
Thailand | Singapore | Laos | Myanmar | Sri Lanka | Cambodia | Indonesia | Nepal, Bangladesh & India |
China, Korea, & the Philippines | Japan | Malaysia | Vietnam | Bhutan |
| 2021 | 26 May | 26 May 2565 | 26 May 2565 | 26 May | 19 May | 26 May |
Vesak in Different Countries
Southeast Asia
In Laos
The Vixakha Bouxa festival in Laos is very similar to the Thai Visakha Puja. It celebrates Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and death, which are all believed to have happened on the same date. It takes place around May. The celebrations include dances, poems, parades, and deep meditation.
The Rocket Festival
A part of the Vixakha Bouxa festival is called Boun Bang Fay, or the Rocket Festival. This happens during the hottest, driest time of year. People launch large homemade rockets into the sky. They hope this will encourage the gods to send rain. In the past, monks made these rockets from bamboo filled with gunpowder. Today, people make them more like fireworks and compete to see whose rocket goes highest, fastest, or is most colorful. This event happens on both sides of the Mekhong River border between Thailand and Laos.
In Indonesia
In Indonesia, Vesak is known as Waisak Day. It's a very important holiday. At the Borobudur temple, thousands of Buddhist monks gather. They chant and meditate as they walk around the temple. This is a way to show respect to the temple. Monks also collect holy water, which stands for humility, and carry flames, which stand for light and wisdom. They also take part in a ritual where they receive charity from people. Waisak Day has been a national public holiday in Indonesia since 1983.
In Malaysia
In Malaysia, Wesak Day celebrates Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and his departure from the human world. The celebration starts at dawn. People gather at temples to meditate and follow the Eight Precepts. They give food to those in need and offer incense and joss sticks. Monks in saffron robes chant together. A special part of the celebration is a candle procession. Wesak Day is a national public holiday in Malaysia.
In Myanmar (Burma)
In Myanmar, Vesak is called the Full Moon Day of Kason. It's a public holiday. Buddhists give food to monks, follow strict Buddhist rules, meditate, and release fish and birds.
A traditional festival called Nyaungye-thun also takes place. People visit temples or monasteries to pour scented water on sacred Bodhi trees. They do this to make sure the trees, which are very important in Buddhism, don't die during the hot summer. This tradition has been around for a long time.
In the Philippines
In the Philippines, Vesak is known as Kaarawan ni Buddha (Buddha's Day). Its date follows the Chinese lunar calendar. Like in China and Japan, Filipinos also bathe Buddha statues on this day.
In Singapore
Vesak Day became a public holiday in Singapore in 1955 after many people asked for it. Before that, it was mainly celebrated by the Ceylonese community. After World War II, there was a big push to make it a public holiday.
In Vietnam
In Vietnam, Vesak is called Phật Đản. From 1958 to 1975, it was a public holiday in South Vietnam. There were parades with floats and lanterns in the streets. However, for a time, Buddhists faced restrictions and were not allowed to celebrate Vesak freely.
Since the 2000s, the festival has become popular again across Vietnam. The Vietnamese Buddhist Sangha officially holds the Vesak Celebration every year. They have even hosted large international events for Vesak.
South Asia
In Nepal
Vesak, known as "Buddha Jayanti" in Nepal, is celebrated all over the country. It's especially big in Lumbini, where Buddha was born, and at Swayambhunath, a holy Buddhist temple. The main door of Swayambhunath is opened only on this day, drawing many people. Thousands of pilgrims from around the world come to Lumbini to celebrate Buddha's birthday. In Nepal, Buddha is respected by everyone, so "Buddha Jayanti" is a public holiday. People give food and clothes to those in need and help monasteries and schools that teach Buddhism.
In Sri Lanka
Vesak is a religious and cultural festival in Sri Lanka. It's celebrated for about a week around the full moon in May. People of different religions in Sri Lanka often celebrate it. During this week, selling alcohol and fresh meat is usually not allowed, and slaughterhouses are closed.
Celebrations include religious activities and giving to charity. Large, brightly lit structures called thoranas are put up in cities like Colombo and Kandy. These are often sponsored by groups and show stories from the Jataka tales (stories about Buddha's past lives).
Colorful lanterns called "Vesak kuudu" are hung on streets and outside homes. They represent the light of the Buddha, his teachings, and his followers. Food stalls called "dansälas" give free food, ice cream, and drinks to people passing by. Groups sing bhakti gee (Buddhist devotional songs). Many people from all over the country come to Colombo during this week.
In India
In India, the full moon day of the Vaisakha month is celebrated as Buddha Purnima. Purnima means full moon day in Sanskrit and Hindi. It's also called Buddha Jayanti, where Jayanti means birthday. The festival is a public holiday in India.
In Bangladesh
Vesak Day is an important festival for all Bengali Buddhists. In Bangladesh, it's celebrated in Chittagong, Dhaka, and other Buddhist areas. In the Bangla language, it's known as Buddho Purnima. It is also a public holiday in Bangladesh.
East Asia
In Japan
In Japan, Vesak is known as Hanamatsuri (Flower Festival). It's not a public holiday. A legend says that nine dragons appeared in the sky on Buddha's birthday and poured sweet nectar over him.
It used to be celebrated on the 8th day of the fourth month of the Chinese calendar. Now, it's celebrated on April 8th of the regular calendar. This means it happens about a month earlier than it would on the lunar calendar.
Japanese Vesak celebrations include pouring amacha, a sweet tea, over Buddha statues. At Buddhist temples, more detailed ceremonies are held for monks and followers.
In South Korea
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In South Korea, Buddha's birthday is celebrated on the 8th day of the 4th month in the Korean lunar calendar. It is an official holiday. This day is called Seokga tansinil, meaning "Buddha's birthday." It has become one of the country's biggest cultural festivals.
Lotus lanterns cover temples all month long and are often seen in the streets. On Buddha's birthday, many temples offer free meals and tea to visitors. The meals often include sanchae bibimbap, a mixed rice dish with vegetables.
The Yeondeunghoe (Lotus Lantern Festival) in Korea celebrates Buddha's Birthday. It is recognized by UNESCO as an important cultural heritage.
Outside Asia
In Canada
An event called Vesak: Buddha's Birthday is celebrated every year in Toronto. It takes place at Mississauga Celebration Square and involves the three main types of Buddhist temples. The event features Buddhist-themed activities and cultural performances from Asian countries like China, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam.
In United States
How Vesak is celebrated in the United States depends on the different Buddhist communities there.
In Maui, Hawaii, people are invited to celebrate Vesak Day at the Chua Tu Hanh Buddhist Temple. There is guided meditation and a talk by a Zen master. This is followed by a ceremony where people bathe a baby Buddha statue and then enjoy a meal.
The state of Hawaii has officially recognized April 8th each year as "Buddha Day," celebrating the birth of Gautama Buddha.
In the Bay Area of California, the Japanese celebration on April 8th has been important for many years. In 1968, the first walk around Mt. Tamalpais to celebrate Buddha's Birthday took place. Since 1969, Hana-Matsuri (flower festival) has been celebrated each spring at Tassajara Zen Mountain Center. Monks and students walk in a procession, and each person pours sweet green tea over a small statue of a baby Buddha.
New York celebrates the International Lotus Lantern Parade. This yearly event at Union Square Park celebrates Buddha's birthday and the Korean lantern festival, Yeon Deung Hoe. The festival includes many Buddhist events and is started by various Buddhist centers.
United Nations Recognition
On December 15, 1999, the United Nations officially recognized the Day of Vesak. This happened after Sri Lanka suggested it. The UN wanted to acknowledge the important contributions that Lord Buddha and Buddhism have made for over 2,500 years. They decided to celebrate Vesak every year at the UN Headquarters in New York and other UN offices worldwide.
International celebrations have been held since 2000. The first Vesak celebration at the UN in New York was on May 15, 2000, with 34 countries taking part. Vesak Day is now an official holiday for UN offices in many Southeast Asian countries.
International Vesak Summit
Many countries have hosted international Vesak summits to discuss Buddhist teachings and peace. Thailand has hosted this summit 11 times, Vietnam 3 times, and Sri Lanka 1 time.
- 25 May 2004 - 1st Asian Summit - Buddhamonthon, Thailand
- 18-21 May 2005 - 2nd Asian Summit - Bangkok, Thailand
- 2006 - 3rd Asian Summit - Thailand
- 2007 - 4th Asian Summit - Thailand
- 2008 - 5th Asian Summit - Vietnam
- 2009 - 6th Asian Summit - Thailand
- 2010 - 7th Asian Summit - Thailand
- 2011 - 8th Asian Summit - Thailand
- 2012 - 9th Asian Summit - Thailand
- 2013 - 10th Asian Summit - Thailand
- 2014 - 11th Asian Summit - Vietnam
- 2015 - 12th Asian Summit - Thailand
- 2016 - 13th Asian Summit - Thailand
- 2017 - 14th Asian Summit - Sri Lanka
- 2018 - 15th Asian Summit - Thailand
- 2019 - 16th Asian Summit - Vietnam
Different Names for Vesak
The name for the Vesak festival changes depending on the local language. Here are some of them:
- Assamese: বুদ্ধ পূর্ণিমা Buddho Purnima
- Bengali: বুদ্ধ পূর্ণিমা Buddho Purnima, বুদ্ধ জয়ন্তী Buddho Joyonti
- Cebuano: Adlaw sa Buddha (Buddha's Day)
- Dzongkha: སྟོན་པའི་དུས་ཆེན་༥ འཛོམས་ Dhüchen Nga Zom
- Burmese: ကဆုန်လပြည့် ဗုဒ္ဓနေ့ "Full Moon Day of Kason"
- Chinese: 佛陀誕辰紀念日 (Buddha's Birthday), 佛誕 (Fódàn, Birthday of the Buddha), 浴佛節 (Yùfójié, Occasion of Bathing the Buddha), 衛塞節 (Wèisāi jié Vesak Day)
- French: Vesak
- Hindi: बुद्ध पूर्णिमा Buddha Pūrṇimā, बुद्ध जयन्ती Buddha Jayantī, वैशाख पूर्णिमा Vaisākh Pūrṇimā
- Japanese: 花祭り Hanamatsuri (Flower Festival)
- Khmer: វិសាខបូជា Visak Bochea
- Kannada: ಬುದ್ಧ ಪೌರ್ಣಮಿ Buddha Pournami
- Korean: 석가 탄신일 (Birthday of the Shakyamuni Buddha), 부처님오신날 (Buddha's Day)
- Lao: ວິສາຂະບູຊາ Vixakha Bouxa
- Malay: Hari Wesak (Malaysian), Hari Vesak (Singapore), Hari Waisak or Hari Raya Waisak (Indonesian)
- Malayalam: വൈശാഖ പൗർണമി, ബുദ്ധ പൂർണിമ, ബുദ്ധ ജയന്തി
- Mon: တ္ၚဲကျာ်ဗုဒ္ဓ ဗပေၚ်ပသာ် "Buddha Day Full Moon of Pasāk"
- Mongolian: Бурхан Багшийн Их Дүйцэн Өдөр Burkhan Bagshiin Ikh Düitsen Ödör (Lord Buddha's Great Festival Day)
- Russian: День рождения Гаутамы Будды Den' rozhdeniya Gautamy Buddy (Birthday of the Gautama Buddha), День Гаутамы Будды (Den' Gautamy Buddy Gautama Buddha's Day), Великий День Цветов Весак (Velikiy Den' Tsvetov Vesak Great Vesak Flower Day), День Весака (Den' Vesaka Vesak Day), День Будды (Den' Buddy Buddha's Day)
- Marathi: बुद्ध पौर्णिमा Buddha Pournima
- Nepali: बुद्ध पुर्णिमा Buddha Purnima, बुद्ध जयन्ति Buddha Jayanti
- Newar: स्वांया पुन्हि Swānyā Punhi
- Odia: ବୁଦ୍ଧ ପୂର୍ଣ୍ଣିମା Buddha Purnimā
- Sinhala: වෙසක් Vesak, වෛශාක්ය Vaishakya
- Tamil: விசாகத் திருநாள் Vicākat Tirunāḷ
- Tagalog: Araw ni Buddha (Buddha's Day), Kaarawan ni Buddha (Buddha's Birthday)
- Telugu: బుద్ధ పౌర్ణమి Buddha Pournami or alternatively వైశాఖ పౌర్ణమి Vaisakha Pournami
- Thai: วิสาขบูชา Wisakhabucha
- Tibetan: ས་ག་ཟླ་བ་དུས་ཆེན Sa Ga Dawa Dü Chen
- Vietnamese: Lễ Phật Đản (Birthday of the Buddha), Ngày hội hoa Phật (Buddha's Lord Flower Festival Day)
See also
In Spanish: Vesak para niños
