THE CELEBRATION OF VESAK

Vesak is one of the most important religious festivals in the Buddhist calendar which commemorates the birth, enlightenment and death of the Buddha. It is celebrated on the day of the full moon in May. This special day holds both religious and cultural significance and is celebrated by Buddhists all over the world. Buddhists commemorate the important events that took place in the life of the Buddha on this Vesak full moon poya day. The first event was the birth of Siddhartha Gautama in Lumbini in Nepal. The second event was Siddharta Gautama’s supreme attainment as the Buddha. The third event was the Buddha’s Parinibbana or death at Kusinagar. All these events occurred on Vesak poya day. Buddhists around the world spend this day in quiet, remembering the events that took place and by meditating and engaging in other activities which have significance to this day.

Buddhists around the world celebrate Vesak with their families by making colourful lanterns. These lanterns are made using thin strips of bamboo and colourful paper, and are lit up with lights and hung up on Vesak day. There are huge ‘thoran’ or pandals that are made out of a variety of materials other than paper and they rotate with flashing lights in some cases. Families also celebrate the day by going to the temple and lighting lamps and showing their religious devotion. Another significant practice during the time of Vesak is to have “dansals”, offering food to all. These are practices which help to families to engage in the true spirit of Vesak.