Multifaith Calendar
Vesak (Theravada Buddhism)
Date and Time
Thursday, May 20, 2027
Description
What is Vesak?
- Vesak, also known as Wesak or Buddha Day, is one of the most important festivals in the Buddhist tradition.
- Vesak celebrates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Buddha as one event. It is celebrated on the full moon in the Indian month of Vaishaka (April-May).
- Different cultures observe this day with different customs - including doing good deeds, visiting temples, lighting lanterns, chanting, meditating, and making offerings.
- A ceremony called Bathing the Buddha may also be held, when water is poured over the shoulders of a statue of the Buddha to remind people to clear their minds of negative thoughts like greed and hatred.
* Mahayana Buddhists may also celebrate this day, though they typically see it as only the Buddha's birthday. They have separate holidays to mark his enlightenment and final passing.
Recurring
This event also occurs on 5/23/24, 5/12/25 and 5/1/26