Special Events (Holidays)
Buddha's Birthday - May 15, 2022 (Observed)
Buddha's Birthday falls on the eighth day of the fourth month according to the lunar calendar.
The Buddha's Birthday is an important day of celebration for Buddhists around the world. The holiday is traditionally celebrated in most of East Asia to commemorate the birth of the Prince Siddhartha Gautama--the founder of Buddhism.
The Buddha's Birthday is a holiday for both celebration and reflection for Buddhists. Celebration varies among the different types of Buddhists. Theravada Buddhists combine observance of Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and death into one holiday, called Vesak. Tibetan Buddhists also combine observance of these three events into one holiday, Saga Dawa Duchen, which usually falls in June. Most Mahayana Buddhists, however, separate observance of Buddha's birth, death, and enlightenment into three distinct holidays held at different times of the year.
Some commonalities in celebration between the different branches of Buddhists are the hanging of lanterns, enjoying communal meals, parades, and visits to temples with offerings. Another tradition that is observed is the washing of the Baby Buddha.
The Buddha's Birthday is an important day of celebration for Buddhists around the world. The holiday is traditionally celebrated in most of East Asia to commemorate the birth of the Prince Siddhartha Gautama--the founder of Buddhism.
The Buddha's Birthday is a holiday for both celebration and reflection for Buddhists. Celebration varies among the different types of Buddhists. Theravada Buddhists combine observance of Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and death into one holiday, called Vesak. Tibetan Buddhists also combine observance of these three events into one holiday, Saga Dawa Duchen, which usually falls in June. Most Mahayana Buddhists, however, separate observance of Buddha's birth, death, and enlightenment into three distinct holidays held at different times of the year.
Some commonalities in celebration between the different branches of Buddhists are the hanging of lanterns, enjoying communal meals, parades, and visits to temples with offerings. Another tradition that is observed is the washing of the Baby Buddha.
Bodhi Day - December 11, 2022
Bodhi Day is typically celebrated on December 8 every year. It generally falls on the eighth day of the 12th month of the lunisolar calendar.
On Bodhi Day, Buddhists offer gratitude for the Buddha’s awakening and ultimate triumph over Mara--the shadow-self and personification of desire, fear, and all the forces that prevent awakening.
Traditionally candles or string lights are placed around altars and decorate temples, signifying the light of awakening, for 30 days following Bodhi Day. Some Buddhists also decorate a tree with colored lights—symbolizing the 84,000 doors to awakening—to commemorate the Buddha’s awakening experience sitting beneath the peepul tree.
Many temples and practice centers will hold all night meditation retreats beginning on the eve of Bodhi Day, in honor of Siddhartha Gautama sitting before his awakening.
On Bodhi Day, Buddhists offer gratitude for the Buddha’s awakening and ultimate triumph over Mara--the shadow-self and personification of desire, fear, and all the forces that prevent awakening.
Traditionally candles or string lights are placed around altars and decorate temples, signifying the light of awakening, for 30 days following Bodhi Day. Some Buddhists also decorate a tree with colored lights—symbolizing the 84,000 doors to awakening—to commemorate the Buddha’s awakening experience sitting beneath the peepul tree.
Many temples and practice centers will hold all night meditation retreats beginning on the eve of Bodhi Day, in honor of Siddhartha Gautama sitting before his awakening.
Watch: Bodhi Day Dharma Talks
Parinirvana Day - February 18, 2023
Parinirvana Day is an annual Mahayana Buddhist holiday. It's celebrated by some on February 8th, but it's mostly celebrated on February 15th.It remembers the death of the Buddha when he reached the age of 80. When he died, Buddhists believed that he reached a state of Parinirvana, which means Nirvana without end.
Buddhists often celebrate the day by going to Buddhist temples or monasteries or with meditation. In monasteries, Parinirvana Day is a social occasion where food is shared and people exchange gifts such as money, household items, or clothes. Lights in the temples are often lowered, then practitioners chant and meditate in the dimmed light. Afterwards, the lights are brightened again--demonstrating that the light of the Buddha's teachings continue to shine.
Buddhists often celebrate the day by going to Buddhist temples or monasteries or with meditation. In monasteries, Parinirvana Day is a social occasion where food is shared and people exchange gifts such as money, household items, or clothes. Lights in the temples are often lowered, then practitioners chant and meditate in the dimmed light. Afterwards, the lights are brightened again--demonstrating that the light of the Buddha's teachings continue to shine.
Watch: Parinirvana Day Dharma Talks