Asia Bangladesh Buddha's birthday is a public holiday in Bangladesh and the event is called Buddho Purnima (বুদ্ধ পূর্ণিমা). On the days preceding Purnima, Buddhist monks and priests decorate Buddhist temples with colourful decorations and candles. On the day of the festival, the President and Prime Minister deliver speeches addressing the history and importance of Buddhism, and of religious harmony in the country. From noon onwards large fairs are held in and around the temples and
viharas, selling Bengali food (largely vegetarian), clothes, and toys. Performances of Buddha's life are also presented. Buddhist monks teach celebrants about the Dharma and the
Five Precepts (panchashila). Buddhists then attend a congression inside the monastery where the chief monk delivers a speech discussing the Buddha and the
Three Jewels (tri-ratna), and about living the ideal life. Afterwards, a prayer to the Buddha is offered, and people then light candles and recite the Three Jewels and Five Precepts.
Bhutan In Bhutan, Buddha Parinirvana is a national holiday and is also celebrated as
Saga Dawa on the 15th day of the Saga Dawa (fourth month of the Tibetan calendar). Observation of the holy month begins from 1st day of the Saga Dawa,
Vesak Month that culminates on the full moon day 15th of the month with celebrations of three holy events of Buddha's life; birth, enlightenment and Death (Mahaparinirvana). Throughout the Saga Dawa
Vesak Month holy, virtuous and morally ethical activities flows in homes, temples, monasteries and public places. Devotees and followers follow strict vegetarian meals throughout the Saga Dawa month and avoid consumption of any non-vegetarian food. The Buddha parinirvana day also sees devotees visiting monastery to offer prayers and light butter lamps. People of various walk of life wear their national dress and go to monasteries to receive blessings from their guardian deity.
Cambodia In Cambodia, Buddha's Birthday is celebrated as
Visak Bochea and is a
public holiday where monks around the country carry the Buddhist flag, lotus flowers, incense, and candles to acknowledge Vesak. People also take part in alms-giving to the monks.
Mainland China ,
Shanxi In Mainland China, this day is generally and commonly called in
Chinese 佛誕 (
Fódàn), but also called "
Yùfú Jié (浴佛節, "Bathing (Purifying) Buddha Festival"),
Guànfó Huì (灌佛會, "Pouring on the Buddha Congregational Assembly"),
Lóng-huá Huì (龍華會),
Huáyán Huì (華嚴會)" or even " 衛塞節 (
Wèisāi jié, "Vesak Day), 偉大的衛塞節花節偉大的滿月 (
Wěidà de Wèisāi-jié Huā-jié Wěidà de Mǎnyuè, "Great Vesak Day Flower Festival Full Moon of Flower Moon")". Celebrations may occur in Buddhist temples where people may light
incense and bring food offerings for the monks.
Hong Kong In
Hong Kong, Buddha's birthday is a
public holiday. Lanterns are lit to symbolise the Buddha's enlightenment and many people visit the temple to pay their respects. The bathing of statues of the Buddha is a major feature of Buddha's birthday celebrations in the city. In Macau, all Buddhist temples in Macau will hold the "
Lung4 Wa4 Wui5 (龍華會)" ritual ceremony, bathing the Buddha with "
Ng5 Heung1 Seui2 (五香水 "Five Scented-Perfumed Water")", the festival is also a public holiday in
Macau.
India In India, the holiday is also known as
Vesak. It commemorates the birth,
enlightenment, and death (
parinirvana) of Gautama Buddha in the
Theravada,
Tibetan, and
Navayana traditions. The public holiday for Buddha Purnima in India was initiated by
B. R. Ambedkar, when he was the
Minister of Law and Justice. It is celebrated in many parts of India, especially in
Maharashtra, where 77% of
Indian Buddhists live). Throughout the month of
Vaishakha, holy and virtuous activities are conducted in homes, temples, monasteries, and public places. Devotees and followers take special precepts, the Mahayana Posadha, during the holy month and especially on the day of the full moon. Yogis also choose to do special types of meditation on this day, as it is said to be conducive to spiritual growth. Indian Buddhists go to
viharas to observe a longer-than-usual, full-length Buddhist sutra. In the
Theravada tradition, the dress code is white.
Kheer, a sweet rice porridge, is commonly served to recall the story of
Sujata, a
milkmaid who offered the Buddha a bowl of milk porridge. At the
Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya, Buddha Purnima is celebrated with great enthusiasm. This temple gets decorated with colored decorations. At the
Bodhi tree, under which Gautama Buddha obtained enlightenment, devotees of Gautama Buddha perform special prayers. At the
National Museum of India in
New Delhi, the Buddha's sacred relics are open for public viewing.
Indonesia In Indonesia, Buddha's Birthday is celebrated as
Waisak and is a
public holiday. A large procession beginning in
Mendut in
Java, and ends at
Borobudur – the largest Buddhist temple in the world.
Japan (
National Treasure of Japan) In Japan, Buddha's Birthday is known as
Kanbutsu-e () or
Hanamatsuri (Flower Festival) () and is held on April 8. Buddha's birth is also celebrated according to the Buddhist calendar but is not a national holiday. On this day, all temples hold 降誕会 (
Gōtan-e), 仏生会 (
Busshō-e), 浴仏会 (
Yokubutsu-e), 龍華会 (
Ryūge-e) and 花会式 (
Hana-eshiki). Japanese people pour
ama-cha (a beverage prepared from
Hydrangea serrata, a variety of
hydrangea) on small Buddha statues decorated with flowers, as if bathing a newborn baby. The tradition of bathing the Buddha originated in China and was introduced to Japan where it was first held in
Nara in 606.
Lion dancing is also a major tradition practiced during Buddha's Birthday and has become associated with the festival in Japan.
Malaysia In Malaysia, Buddha's Birthday is celebrated as
Wesak Day and is a
public holiday celebrated by the
sizeable minority Buddhist population in the country. Temples across the country are decorated, and caged animals are set free. People engage in prayers, chanting, and alms-giving across the country. As a result, the date falls in line with celebrations of Buddha's Birthday/Vesak in South and Southeast Asian countries as opposed to neighbouring East Asian countries. In December 2019, the popularly celebrated festival by many Mongolian Buddhists, was made a public holiday.
Myanmar In Myanmar, Buddha's Birthday is celebrated as
Full Moon of Kasun and is a
public holiday. It is celebrated by watering the
Bodhi tree and chanting. In large pagodas, music and dance is also performed as part of the celebrations. The day marks not just the birth of Shakyamuni Gautama Buddha, but also the day of his
Enlightenment and
Mahaparinirvana. The event is celebrated by gentle and serene fervour, keeping in mind the very nature of Buddhism. People, especially women, go to common
Viharas to observe a rather longer-than-usual, full-length Buddhist
sutra, something like a service. The usual dress is pure white. Non-vegetarian food is normally avoided.
Kheer, sweet rice porridge is commonly served to recall the story of Sujata, a maiden who offered the Buddha a bowl of milk
porridge. Buddha Purnima is the biggest day for Buddhists because on this day, it is believed three important events of the Buddha's life took place: his birth, his attaining enlightenment, and his death, Paranirvana. This day is known as
Thrice Blessed Festival. North Korea Buddha's Birthday is occasionally designated as a public holiday in
North Korea and is known as
Chopail (
Chopa-il;
Hanja: 初八日, "the first 8th day (of the month in the
Lunar Calendar)
"). Designation of
traditional Korean holidays as public holidays in North Korea are determined by the
Cabinet a few days before the traditional holiday begins.
Philippines In the Philippines, Buddha's Birthday is known as
Kaarawan ni Buddha and usually has Chinese elements via its
Chinese community. It is a
public holiday. However, it can be celebrated by people of
all religions. Like in China and Japan, Filipino people bathe statues of the Buddha.
Singapore In Singapore, Buddha's birthday is celebrated as
Vesak or
Vesak Day and is a
public holiday in the country. Buddhist temples hold celebrations and are decorated with
Buddhist flags and flowers. Devotees also bring offerings to the temples.
South Korea In South Korea, the birthday of Buddha is celebrated according to the
Korean lunar calendar and is a national holiday. This day is called "
Bucheo-nim o-shin nal" (
Hangul: ) meaning "the day when the Buddha (
Bucheo-nim) came", which is also called "''Seok-ga T'an-shin-il
" (Hangul: 석가탄신일, Hanja: 釋迦誕辰日), i.e. "the Birthday of Sakyamuni Buddha
" and sometimes also called Chopail
( Chopa-il''; Hanja: 初八日, "the first 8th day (of the month in the
Lunar Calendar)"). Lotus lanterns hang in temples throughout the month and lanterns are hung in homes and in the streets. On the day of Buddha's birth, many temples provide free meals and tea to all visitors and organize large lantern festival called
Yeondeunghoe (Hangul: 연등회, Hanja: 燃燈會, "Lotus Lantern Festival"). Breakfast and lunch are also provided, which often includes sanchae
bibimbap. Buddha's Birthday is a popular holiday and folk celebration in Korea, and is often celebrated by people of all religious faiths. Electric light displays that depict stories from the Buddha's life are also a notable part of Vesak celebrations in the country.
Taiwan In Taiwan, after the initiation by the Buddhists and the general public, the "
Guódìng Fúdàn Jié (
Chinese: 國定佛誕節, "National Buddha's Birthday")" was jointly signed. Then in 1999, the
Ministry of the Interior (Taiwan) officially announced the "Anniversary of the Buddha's Birthday (Chinese: 佛陀誕辰紀念日
Fótuó Dànchén Jìniàn Rì)" in the "
Guódìng Jìniàn Rì (Chinese: 國定紀念日, "National Memorial Day")". Buddha's birthday is a national holiday. Devotees pour fragrant water over Buddha statues to symbolise the beginning of a fresh start in life.
Thailand In Thailand, Buddha's birthday is celebrated as
Visakha Puja and is a
public holiday. People gather at temples to hear sermons, give donations and chant prayers.
Vietnam ,
Quảng Nam, Vietnam In Vietnam, Buddha's birthday is called in
Vietnamese, (, "Birthday of the Buddha"), or and is celebrated throughout Vietnam. Many Buddhist temples hold celebrations that attract people from around the country, while pagodas around the country are decorated. From 1958 to 1975, the birthday of Buddha (on the 8th day of the 4th month in the
Vietnamese calendar) was recognized as a national public holiday in
South Vietnam, celebrated with floats and lantern parades on the streets. Buddha's Birthday is popular in Vietnam, but is not a public holiday.
List of names in languages Outside Asia Australia In
Sydney, Buddha's birthday is celebrated at the Nan Tien Temple in Wollongong, while another celebration also organised by Nan Tien Temple is held at
Darling Harbour, which features Buddha's birthday ceremony. A variety of vegetarian food is served, and culture stalls and multicultural performances are held, celebrating cultures from China, Japan, Vietnam, Korea, India, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Australia. Other temples in the Fo Guang Shan Nan Tien Temple group in Australia also hld celebrations on the eighth day of the fourth month of the China lunar calendar. In
Brisbane, the ''Buddha's Birthday Festival
is held annually and features a variety of pan-Asian food, and performances from various cultures are held. It is a weekend-long festival which draws over 200,000 visitors. In Melbourne, the weekend-long festival called Buddha's Day and Multicultural Festival
is held at Federation Square around April/May. In Perth, a two-day celebration also known as Buddha's Day and Multicultural Festival'' is held at
Langley Park. Local Buddhist temples and smaller towns around the country such as
Bendigo,
Victoria also hold celebrations. On the Australian
external territory of
Christmas Island, Buddha's Birthday is celebrated as "Vesak Day" and is celebrated alongside many other celebrations common in Australia and Malaysia as well as local celebrations of the island.
Brazil Vesak (Hanamatsuri) is widely known and celebrated in Brazil due to the country's large
Japanese community. Hanamatsuri has grown in popularity and also attracts interest from the wider non-Japanese Brazilian population. As a result, Hanamatsuri has become a
consumerist culture phenomenon in the country and is sometimes locally known as
Festa das Flores. It is held at
Mississauga Celebration Square, and features a number of Buddhist-themed events and activities, as well as cultural acts from Asia, including China, Sri Lanka and Vietnam.
United States The celebration of Buddha's Birthday in the United States differs from community to community, depending on ethnicity and nationality. The Japanese celebration on 8 April has been significant in the
Bay Area of California for some decades. In 1968 the first
circumambulation of Mt. Tamalpais to celebrate Buddha's Birthday was conducted. Starting in 1969 at Tassajara Zen Mountain Center, was celebrated each spring. Dressed in formal black robes, the roughly 70 monks and students form a formal procession to the Horse Pasture with the leader periodically ringing a small, clear bell. A temporary stone altar was built under a huge oak tree in a gorgeous field of green grass and abundant wildflowers; a small statue of a baby Buddha was placed upon it in a metal basin. Then each person, in turn, approaches the altar, and ladle one thin-lipped bamboo dipperful of sweet green tea over the statue, bow, and walk to one side. In
New York, the
International Lotus Lantern Parade has been a notable and successful annual event held at
Union Square Park. The event celebrates the Buddha's birthday and
Yeon Deung Hoe (연등회,燃燈會), a Korean lantern celebration that is held during Vesak. The festival features a number of Buddhist themed events and is started off by numerous Buddhist centers of Japanese, Korean and Sri Lankan origins for example. Since 1963, the state of
Hawaii has recognized 8 April of each year as "Buddha Day". ==See also==