May 12

soUTh Korea BUDDHA’S BIRTHDAY

Yeon Deung Hoe, or Lotus Lantern Festival, is held annually on Buddha’s birthday (eighth day of the fourth lunar month) and festivities are held at several locations including Buddhist temples. Attendees can not only enjoy traditional lantern exhibitions but also revel in the exuberant lantern parades and cultural performances. In other Asian countries, it is also celebrated with Buddhist rites, prayer, street processions and lavish temple decorations on other days in May.