Happy Vesak Day

Vesak Day is a holiday that celebrates the birth, enlightenment and death of Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. It is observed by Buddhists in South Asia and Southeast Asia as well as Tibet and Mongolia. It is the most important Buddhist festival.

Vesak Day usually falls in May, on the full moon day of the lunar month of Vesakha. The date varies depending on the country and the lunar calendar. In 2023, Vesak Day will be celebrated on different dates such as 3 May in Myanmar, 4 May in Malaysia and Sri Lanka, 5 May at the United Nations, 2 June in Singapore and 4 June in Indonesia.

On Vesak Day, Buddhists commemorate the life and teachings of the Buddha by meditating, observing the Eight Precepts, partaking of vegetarian food, giving to charity, and “bathing” the Buddha. Temples are decorated with flags and flowers. Some Buddhists also release animals such as birds or turtles as a symbol of liberation