What are the different festivals celebrated in Buddhism?

What are the different festivals celebrated in Buddhism?

Buddhism is a spiritual practice which aims to end the suffering of the people. It means to follow the path of kindness and wisdom that leads to the ultimate Enlightenment. Buddhism started with Gautama Buddha and its followers celebrate various festivals.

 

Vesak

 

Also known as the “Buddha Day”, Vesak commemorates the birth, enlightenment and death of the Buddha. This festival is celebrated on different days in many countries like India, Japan, Nepal, Vietnam, Malaysia, etc. on the first full moon of May. In each country, followers assemble in the temples and hoist the Buddhist flags and sing hymns. Offerings are made and the rituals after this are different country from country. It is also said that this festival tries to bring happiness to the old, the sick, the poor and the less fortunate.

 

Magha Puja

 

Magha puja is one of the most important festivals of the Buddhists. Its main aim is to commit no sin, do only good to others and to keep a pure mind. It is a public holiday in countries like Laos, Cambodia, Thailand and many more. Magha Puja is celebrated on the full moon of the third lunar month. The festival holds great importance as it honors the Sangha or the Buddhist community and gives the devotee a chance to recommit to the faith. The devotees get together and discuss different aspects of Buddha’s teachings and guidance from the senior members.

 

Asalha Puja

 

Asalha Puja celebrates the first teaching of Gautama Buddha. It is also known as the “Dhamma Day” and is also one of the most important festivals for the Thervada Buddhists. Buddha’s first preaching is called “setting into motion the wheel of dhamma.” Dhamma day is celebrated on the full moon of the sixth lunar month. The first preaching consists of four noble truths which are the central doctrine.

 

Uposatha

 

It is the Buddhist day of observance when Buddha taught that it is for “the cleansing of the defiled mind.” On this day, the devotees try to keep the Five Precepts, practice Buddha’s teachings and also meditate. Uposatha is celebrated once every week in Theravadin countries.

 

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