Next: about 20 May 2027
Vesak
The full-moon day of the Buddha's birth, enlightenment and death, kept with lamps, chanting and the release of animals.
About Vesak
Vesak, called Visakha Bucha in Thailand and Wesak elsewhere, is kept at the full moon of the lunar month of Visakha, usually in May. Lamps and lanterns are lit, Buddha images are bathed with scented water, and monks chant protective verses (paritta) for homes and communities, which listeners believe bring safety and calm. Some communities release captive birds, fish or turtles as an act of merit, a custom that conservationists criticise when the animals are caught for the purpose and die. The date varies by country, because different lunar calendars are used, and in years with two full moons in the month it can be a month apart in different places.
Also part of it, and being written: Vesak (The festival of the Buddha.), Paritta (The protective verses chanted by monks.).
Written by the EveryJaadu desk with AI assistance. Background: "Vesak" on Wikipedia. Customs differ from place to place and family to family, and are described as belief and practice. If this is your tradition and we have it wrong, tell us.