Buddhism

Vesak

When is Vesak in 2027, the Buddhist festival of the Buddha’s birth, awakening and passing: its date at the full moon of May, temple visits, lanterns and acts of kindness.

Next date

Thursday, 20 May 2027

Date in many countries; others keep Vesak or Buddha’s Birthday on different days.

In brief

I.Vesak, also Buddha Day or Buddha Purnima, celebrates the birth, awakening and final nirvana of the Buddha.
II.Theravada tradition holds that all three took place on the full moon of Vesakha.
III.Buddhists visit temples, bring flowers, light lamps and take the precepts.
IV.Kindness to people and animals, such as freeing caged birds, is encouraged.

Chapter I

What it celebrates

For Theravada Buddhists in Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar and elsewhere, Vesak marks three events in the life of the Buddha: his birth at Lumbini, his awakening under the bodhi tree at Bodh Gaya and his passing into final nirvana at Kushinagar. Tradition holds that all three happened on the full moon of the same month.

It is a day to remember the Buddha’s teaching and to put it into practice.

Chapter II

How it is kept

Buddhists go to temples early, often dressed in white, to offer flowers, candles and incense. They listen to teachings, meditate and many take eight precepts for the day. Images of the infant Buddha are bathed with scented water. Acts of generosity are central: free food and drink are given to passers-by, and some release birds or fish.

Chapter III

Around the world

In Sri Lanka streets are hung with lanterns and lit pandals tell stories from the Buddha’s past lives. In Singapore and Malaysia candlelit processions are held. In Korea, on Buddha’s Birthday, lotus lanterns fill temples and Seoul holds a great lantern parade.

Questions people ask

Is Buddha’s birthday celebrated on the same day everywhere?

No. In Japan it is kept on 8 April as Hanamatsuri; in Korea and China on the 8th day of the 4th lunar month. Vesak in the Theravada countries combines birth, awakening and passing.

What is the UN Day of Vesak?

The United Nations recognised Vesak in 1999, and international celebrations are held each year.

Sources and further reading

Toronto Metropolitan University, “2027 Calendar of Religious, Indigenous and Spiritual Observances”
Peter Harvey, An Introduction to Buddhism (Cambridge University Press, 2nd ed. 2013)

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