essay vesak festival

Essay on Vesak Festival

Students are often asked to write an essay on Vesak Festival in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Vesak Festival

What is vesak festival.

Vesak Festival, also known as Buddha Day, is a special day for Buddhists around the world. It is the day when Buddhists celebrate the birth, enlightenment, and passing away of the Buddha.

When is Vesak Festival Celebrated?

Vesak Festival is usually celebrated on the full moon day of the fourth month in the Buddhist calendar. This usually falls in May or June.

How is Vesak Festival Celebrated?

Buddhists celebrate Vesak Festival in many ways. Some people go to temples to pray and meditate. Others decorate their homes with flowers and lights. Many people also give gifts to their friends and family. Some Buddhists also take part in special parades and processions.

250 Words Essay on Vesak Festival

Vesak festival: a celebration of buddha’s life.

Vesak is an important festival celebrated by Buddhists all over the world. It is a day to commemorate the birth, enlightenment, and passing away of Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. This day is also known as Buddha Purnima or Buddha Jayanti.

Observing Vesak

Significance of vesak.

Vesak is a time for Buddhists to reflect on the teachings of Buddha and to renew their commitment to following his path. It is also a time to celebrate the life of someone who brought enlightenment to the world. Buddhists believe that by celebrating Vesak, they can generate good karma and create a more peaceful and compassionate world.

Vesak in Different Countries

Vesak is celebrated on different dates in different countries, depending on the lunar calendar followed. In Sri Lanka, it is celebrated on the full moon day of May. In Thailand, it is celebrated on the full moon day of May or June. In India, it is celebrated on the full moon day of April or May.

Vesak is a beautiful and meaningful festival that celebrates the life and teachings of Buddha. It is a time for Buddhists to come together and share their faith and devotion.

500 Words Essay on Vesak Festival

Vesak Festival is a very important day for Buddhists all over the world. It marks the birth, enlightenment, and death of Gautama Buddha. This makes Vesak a day filled with joy, reflection, and peace. People celebrate it on the full moon day of the month of May. Because the moon is full, it is a special sign that it is time to remember the teachings of Buddha.

How People Celebrate Vesak

On Vesak day, Buddhists start their celebration early in the morning. They go to temples to pray and remember the life of Buddha. Many people also dress in white clothes. Wearing white is a way to show they are pure and are thinking about peace and kindness on this day.

Another important part of Vesak is helping others. Buddhists believe in doing good things and being kind to all living beings. On Vesak, they give food to the poor and help those who need it. They also take care not to harm any animals. This is their way of showing love and respect for all life, just as Buddha taught.

Special Events During Vesak

In many countries, there are unique events that happen only during Vesak. For example, in Sri Lanka, there is a big parade called the Vesak Perahera. This parade has dancers, drummers, and decorated elephants. It is a way to show respect for Buddha and share the joy of the festival with everyone.

The Meaning of Vesak for Buddhists

Vesak is not just a day for fun and celebration. It is a time for Buddhists to think deeply about their lives and how they can follow Buddha’s teachings. They think about how to be kind, how to live in peace with others, and how to be wise in their choices.

For Buddhists, Vesak is a reminder that everyone has the potential to find enlightenment, just like Buddha did. It is a day to feel hopeful and to work towards being the best person one can be.

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Table Of Contents

Vesak , a festival of utmost significance in Buddhism , particularly in Theravada Buddhism , that commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and death of the Buddha . The holiday is observed on the full-moon day of the lunar month Vesakha, the fourth month of the lunar calendar , which falls in April, May, or June, in some cases, in the Gregorian calendar . The day is observed as a public holiday in many Southeast Asian countries. It is also observed in East Asian countries, where it commemorates only the Buddha’s birth. In 1950 the World Fellowship of Buddhists made Vesak an international holiday to be celebrated on the first full moon of May. In 1999 the United Nations recognized Vesak as an international holiday. It is marked by special devotional services and various deeds intended to be meritorious, such as the presentation of food or alms to monks or the release of captive birds.

The precise origin of the holiday is unclear—it is not attested in early Buddhist canonical sources—but at some point it came to be accepted in Theravada communities that Shakyamuni Buddha’s birth , enlightenment , and death all occurred on the full-moon day of Vesakha month. The holiday appears explicitly in the Mahavaṃsa , the 5th–6th-century- ce historical chronicle of Sri Lanka , and festivals of some similarity are recorded in the account of Chinese Buddhist pilgrim Faxian , who visited India in the early 5th century. Some suggest it was introduced to Sri Lanka with the expansion of Buddhism to the island during the time of Ashoka (3rd century bce ). It is possible that the festival has older or more regional roots lost to history .

A brilliant display for Vesak in Sri Lanka

The Theravada Vesak festival in its current form took shape in Sri Lanka in the 19th century. Under the British colonial government, the Buddhist establishment that had previously enjoyed a close relationship to statecraft was sidelined, and Christian missionary work further marginalized Buddhists. A Buddhist revival movement developed in the middle of the 19th century to counter the rising popularity of Christianity and instill a positive identity and pride among Buddhists. Vesak had initially been a religious and monastic holiday confined to the temple and not a public holiday with significant lay investment. However, after a ban on Buddhist processions in 1883, Buddhist revivalists were further emboldened to counteract colonial restriction on Buddhism. In 1844 theosophist Henry Steel Olcott successfully petitioned the government to make Vesak an official public holiday. The revivalists further turned the holiday into a kind of Buddhist Christmas complete with songs, cards, presents, parades, public displays of stories about the Buddha’s life, and plenty of lights. The revived version of Vesak has become popular throughout countries where Theravada Buddhism is practiced, such as Sri Lanka , Thailand , Cambodia , Myanmar , Laos , Singapore , Malaysia , and Indonesia .

Just as the Buddhist community is divided between the monastic sangha and the laity, so are Vesak practices divided along those social lines. Monastic observance usually includes a procession of monks and nuns, recitation of sutras (religious texts), offerings in a temple, bathing a statue of the Buddha, and a discourse on dharma (Pali: dhamma , which, in the context of Buddhism, means the teachings of the Buddha). The laity make offerings of flowers or light incense in a temple while also engaging in merriment including food and cultural performances. On some occasions the Buddhist flag, which Olcott helped create, is hoisted. Layfolk might recite the Three Jewels ( Triratna ): commitments to Buddha, dharma, and sangha. Buddhist laity may also avoid alcohol and meat for the duration of the festival. An important dimension of the festival is making merit ( punya )—doing good deeds to improve one’s karma or the karma of one’s relatives. This can be achieved by offering food to monastics and by releasing caged animals (usually birds) into the wild. Because of the potential negative ecological impacts of releasing animals in places where they might either not survive or be invasive, some communities have attempted to restrain or replace this practice. Alternate animal-related merit-making activities can involve adopting vegetarianism , working in an animal shelter, or Buddhist monks giving blessings for beloved pets.

In most Theravada Buddhist countries the holiday is called Vesak or Wesak or a close variant thereof based on the name of the month. In some places it is called Buddha Day. In India and Nepal —the modern countries where the historical Buddha’s life transpired—as well as in Bangladesh , it is called Buddha Purnima (“Full Moon”) or Buddha Jayanti (literally “victory” but often meaning “birthday”). In Tibetan Buddhism , practitioners call it Saga Dawa Düchen (Tibetan: “Fourth Month Festival”), and the whole fourth month is known to be auspicious for reaping the benefits of good deeds.

In East Asia, where Mahayana is the main form of Buddhism, the Buddha’s birthday is celebrated separately from his enlightenment and death and falls on the eighth day of the fourth lunar month, roughly about the same time as Theravada Vesak. Different countries mark the day in different ways and with different names. In South Korea , for example, a lantern-lighting festival called Yeondeunghoe honors the Buddha’s birthday ( seokga tansinil ). In Vietnam it is called Phat Dan and celebrated with lotus-shaped lanterns, prayers, and offerings. In China releasing animals, or fengshang , is a prominent part of Buddha’s birth celebration, called Fódàn. In Japan Buddha’s birthday (Bussho-e) is commonly called Hana Matsuri (“Flower Festival”) and officially occurs on April 8. In Taiwan the story of the Buddha’s birth is commemorated on the second Sunday of May, coinciding with Mother’s Day .

Outside Asia, in the United States in the 20th century Vesak was co-opted into the New Age movement . In the 20th and 21st centuries members of the Buddhist diaspora in the Americas and Europe, along with Euro-American Buddhists, continue to observe Vesak. In these diverse Buddhist communities, Vesak is often practiced in a nonsectarian and inclusive fashion.

The Significance and Traditions of Vesak Festival

Curious about unique cultural celebration s around the world? Vesak, a profound Buddhist festival celebrated by millions globally , commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and passing of Gautama Buddha .

In this blog post, we’ll transport you to different corners of the planet as you discover how this vibrant tradition unites people in peace and reflection . Come along for an unforgettable journey into the heart of Vesak!

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

Vesak Festival celebrates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Gautama Buddha .
The festival promotes universal peace and encourages kindness and compassion towards all living beings.
Traditions include lighting oil lamps , making and sharing vegetarian food , visiting temples, and engaging in meditation and reflection on the teachings of the Buddha.

History and Significance of Vesak Festival

The Vesak Festival commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and death of the Buddha, delivering a universal peace message to mankind and celebrating his teachings and principles.

Commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and death of the Buddha

Vesak is a day of joy for Buddhists all over the world. It stands for three big parts of Buddha’s life. His birth, his reach to enlightenment, and his death are all on this day. Many believe Gautama Buddha was born around 500 or 600 B.C.E.

On reaching age 35, he sat under a tree in peace and found out how to end suffering. This is known as enlightenment in Buddhism. Years later, at age 80, he left this world; it marks his death anniversary too.

Vesak holds these huge moments from Buddha’s life close which makes it the most sacred festival among Buddhists .

Universal peace message to mankind

The Vesak Festival carries a powerful message of universal peace to people all around the world. It reminds us to strive for harmony and understanding among all human beings, regardless of our differences.

This message is at the core of Buddhism, which teaches compassion, empathy, and nonviolence towards all living beings. By celebrating Vesak, Buddhists seek to spread this message and inspire others to embrace peace and goodwill.

It serves as a reminder that we can find happiness and fulfillment by practicing kindness and treating others with respect. The festival encourages us to reflect on our actions and consider how we can contribute to creating a more peaceful world for everyone .

Celebration of Buddha’s teachings and principles

During the Vesak Festival, Buddhists celebrate and honor the teachings and principles of the Buddha . These teachings emphasize compassion, wisdom, and mindfulness . It is a time for people to reflect on these teachings through meditation and prayer .

Many Buddhists also engage in acts of kindness and charity as a way to practice these principles in their daily lives. The festival serves as a reminder of the importance of following the path of enlightenment that the Buddha taught, which can bring inner peace and happiness to individuals and contribute to greater harmony in society as a whole.

Traditions and Customs of Vesak Festival

During Vesak, people light oil lamps and lanterns, make and share vegetarian food, visit temples to offer prayers, and engage in meditation and reflection on the teachings of the Buddha.

Lighting of oil lamps and lanterns

During Vesak Festival, Buddhists light oil lamps and lanterns to symbolize the path to enlightenment . It is believed that these lights bring clarity and dispel darkness , both metaphorically and literally. Lighting the lamps is a way to honor the teachings of Buddha , who is considered the “Light of the World.” This tradition creates a serene and peaceful atmosphere, enhancing the spiritual experience of the festival.

Making and sharing of vegetarian food

During Vesak Festival, one of the traditions is to make and share vegetarian food . Buddhists believe in practicing nonviolence and compassion towards all living beings, including animals. Therefore, they choose to abstain from consuming meat during this special occasion. Instead, they prepare delicious vegetarian dishes using fresh ingredients such as vegetables, fruits, grains, and spices. These meals are then shared among family, friends, and even strangers as a way to promote kindness and generosity . It is a beautiful gesture that reflects the Buddhist principles of compassion, mindfulness, and interconnectedness with all living beings.

Visiting temples and offering prayers

Visiting temples and offering prayers is an important part of Vesak Festival. Adventure travelers can experience the spiritual atmosphere by exploring these sacred sites. Here’s what you can expect:

Explore ornately decorated temples adorned with lanterns and flags .
Witness devotees offering flowers, incense, and candles as offerings .
Participate in group chanting or meditation sessions led by monks .
Observe traditional rituals and ceremonies honoring the Buddha’s teachings .
Engage in conversations with local Buddhists to deepen your understanding of their faith .

Meditation and reflection on the teachings of the Buddha

Meditation and reflection are important aspects of Vesak Festival. Adventure travelers can participate in these activities to deepen their understanding of the Buddha’s teachings. Here are some ways they can engage in meditation and reflection:

Find a peaceful spot : Seek out a serene location, such as a quiet corner of a temple or a scenic outdoor area, where you can meditate undisturbed.
Practice mindfulness : Focus on the present moment by paying attention to your breath and bodily sensations. Be fully aware of your surroundings without getting caught up in thoughts or distractions.
Follow guided meditations : Use pre-recorded guided meditations or smartphone apps to help you relax and enter a state of deep concentration. These resources can guide you through different meditation techniques.
Chant mantras : Recite sacred Buddhist chants or mantras to calm the mind and establish a connection with the Buddha’s teachings. The repetition of these sounds can facilitate relaxation and spiritual contemplation.
Reflect on Buddhist principles : Contemplate the core principles of Buddhism, such as compassion, non-attachment, and impermanence. Ponder how these concepts apply to your own life and explore ways to incorporate them into your daily actions.
Read Buddhist texts : Explore various Buddhist texts, such as sutras or dharma talks, to gain deeper insights into the teachings of the Buddha. Reflect on their meanings and consider how they relate to your own spiritual journey.
Engage in walking meditation : Take slow, deliberate steps while focusing your attention on each movement. This form of meditation allows you to be mindful while in motion, promoting a sense of peace and inner stillness.

Vesak Festival Around the World

Vesak Festival is celebrated in Southeast Asia, South Asia, and East Asia with various cultural practices and rituals.

Celebrations in Southeast Asia, South Asia, and East Asia

Vesak celebrations vary greatly across Southeast Asia, South Asia, and East Asia, each region reflecting their unique cultural practices and rituals, while keeping the core essence of the festival intact. Let’s dive into these culturally vibrant celebrations.

Region	Celebration
Southeast Asia	In Southeast Asia, particularly in countries like Thailand, Vesak is celebrated with great zeal. Temples are decorated, and lanterns are lit as symbols of wisdom and enlightenment. , and devotees participate in “Visakha Bucha,” walking around the temple in a procession.
South Asia	In South Asia, including Sri Lanka and India, Vesak is marked by a week-long celebration. . , practice meditation, and organize processions called “Perahera,” featuring traditional music and dance.
East Asia	In East Asia, especially in China and Japan, the festival is often called “Buddha’s Birthday.” like bathing the Buddha statue, a ritual symbolizing the purification of one’s mind. showcasing floats, dragon dances, and lotus lanterns.

In each region, the spirit of Vesak is imbued with compassion, charity, and a deep reflection on the teachings of Buddha, providing adventure travelers with a unique window into the diverse cultural practices of the Buddhist world.

Different cultural practices and rituals

Different countries have their own unique ways of celebrating Vesak Festival. Here are some interesting cultural practices and rituals from around the world:

In Sri Lanka, Vesak is a grand event with decorated streets, illuminated buildings, and colorful lanterns . Many Buddhists engage in religious activities such as visiting temples and making offerings.
In Thailand, people participate in merit – making activities by releasing birds and fish , giving donations to monks, and organizing parades with decorated floats depicting scenes from the life of the Buddha.
In Japan, Vesak is called Hanamatsuri or “Flower Festival.” Buddhists adorn statues of the baby Buddha with flowers and pour sweet tea over them in a symbolic act of purification.
In Indonesia, Vesak is celebrated with a vibrant procession known as “Pradaksina.” Devotees walk clockwise around Buddhist temples while carrying candles and reciting prayers.
In Nepal, where Lord Buddha was born, Buddhists gather at Lumbini – his birthplace – to meditate and chant sutras. They also light butter lamps to symbolize the dispelling of ignorance.
In Cambodia, devotees celebrate Vesak by visiting pagodas to make offerings and listen to teachings by senior monks. The entire country gets immersed in a peaceful atmosphere during this time.

Local renditions and unique traditions

Local renditions and unique traditions of Vesak Festival can be found in different countries where Buddhism is practiced. Here are some interesting examples:

In Sri Lanka, the birthplace of Vesak Festival, locals celebrate by lighting up entire streets with thousands of oil lamps and colorful lanterns . This creates a stunning visual spectacle that attracts both locals and tourists.
In Thailand, the festival is known as Visakha Bucha Day. People participate in candle – lit processions around temples , emphasizing mindfulness and reflection.
In Indonesia, Vesak is observed with a beautiful ritual called “Waisak.” Buddhists release lanterns into the sky to symbolize the release of negative thoughts and desires.
In Japan, the festival is called Hanamatsuri or “Flower Festival.” Traditionally, small statues of Buddha are bathed with sweet tea during this time.
In Nepal, devotees gather at Swayambhunath Stupa, also known as Monkey Temple, to pay homage to Buddha’s teachings and principles.

Vesak Festival and the United Nations

The United Nations recognizes Vesak as a significant global observance and promotes Buddhist values and principles.

International Vesak summit

The International Vesak summit is a gathering of Buddhist leaders and scholars from around the world. It provides an opportunity for them to discuss and promote the teachings and principles of Buddhism.

Adventure travelers can attend this summit to learn more about the significance of Vesak and how it is celebrated in different countries. They can engage with experts, participate in workshops, and gain a deeper understanding of Buddhist values such as compassion, mindfulness, and peace.

The International Vesak summit highlights the global appeal of Buddhism and its message of unity, making it an enriching experience for those seeking spiritual enlightenment during their travels.

Recognition of Vesak as a significant global observance

Vesak Festival holds great importance worldwide and has gained recognition as a significant global observance . The United Nations acknowledges this Buddhist festival’s significance in promoting values like peace, compassion, and understanding among people of different cultures and religions.

In fact, the International Vesak summit is held annually at the UN headquarters to celebrate Vesak and its message of universal harmony. By recognizing Vesak on an international level, it helps spread awareness about Buddhism and its teachings to a wider audience, fostering greater respect for cultural diversity and religious tolerance .

Promotion of Buddhist values and principles

The Vesak Festival also serves as a platform to promote the values and principles of Buddhism . This includes teachings such as compassion, kindness, mindfulness, and non-violence . Buddhists believe that by practicing these values, they can achieve inner peace and contribute to harmony in society.

During the festival, there are discussions held on the importance of these values in daily life. The celebration also encourages individuals to reflect on their own actions and strive for personal growth based on Buddhist teachings.

So not only is Vesak a time for joyous festivities but also an opportunity to learn about and embrace the core principles of Buddhism .

In conclusion, Vesak Festival holds great significance for Buddhists around the world. It is a time to honor the birth, enlightenment, and passing of Gautama Buddha, and to reflect on his teachings of compassion and peace.

The traditions and customs observed during Vesak, such as lighting oil lamps and visiting temples, help create a sense of unity among Buddhist communities worldwide. Through this celebration, people not only pay homage to the Buddha but also seek inner peace through meditation and reflection on his timeless wisdom.

1. What is the significance of Vesak Festival?

Vesak Festival commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and passing away of Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism.

2. How is Vesak Festival celebrated?

Vesak Festival is celebrated by Buddhists around the world through various activities such as meditation, chanting prayers, making offerings to monks, and participating in processions.

3. Why do people light lanterns during Vesak Festival?

People light lanterns during Vesak Festival as a symbol of enlightenment and to spread positivity and joy.

4. Are there any special traditions or customs associated with Vesak Festival?

Yes, some common traditions include visiting temples for worship, giving alms to monks, releasing caged animals as acts of compassion, and performing charitable deeds.

Melanie Cho is a passionate traveler, storyteller, and cultural enthusiast with a heart that bridges the landscapes of Korea and Sri Lanka. As a 28-year-old Korean woman who spent her formative years splitting time between these two captivating worlds, Melanie’s unique upbringing ignited her love for exploration and connection. Her intimate knowledge of both cultures enables her to share authentic insights, captivating stories, and practical tips that inspire fellow adventurers to embark on unforgettable journeys.

Vesak: The significance of Sri Lanka’s revered Buddhist festival

Vesak, also known as Buddha Purnima or Buddha Day, is the most significant and widely celebrated Buddhist festival in Sri Lanka.

It commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and passing away (Parinirvana) of Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism.

Celebrated on the full moon day of the lunar month of Vesakha, typically in May, Vesak is a time of profound spiritual reflection, communal harmony, and vibrant festivities in Sri Lanka.

Vesak is not merely a festival; it is a profound expression of Sri Lanka’s cultural and spiritual identity. The celebrations foster a sense of community, bridging social divides and promoting peace and harmony. Vesak also serves as a reminder of the Buddha’s teachings and their relevance in contemporary life. It encourages individuals to reflect on their actions, cultivate virtues such as compassion and generosity, and strive for inner peace and enlightenment.

Vesak in Sri Lanka highlights the nation’s commitment to preserving and promoting Buddhist traditions. The festival attracts numerous visitors, both local and international, enhancing cultural tourism and showcasing the rich spiritual heritage of the country.

Vesak in Sri Lanka is a time of spiritual significance and celebration. It is a festival that transcends religious boundaries, inviting everyone to partake in the universal values of compassion, generosity, and enlightenment. Through its vibrant traditions and heartfelt devotions, Vesak reinforces the enduring legacy of the Buddha’s teachings and their impact on the lives of millions.

As Sri Lanka illuminates itself with the light of Vesak lanterns, it also shines with the timeless wisdom of the Buddha, guiding individuals towards a path of peace and harmony.

Historical and spiritual significance

Vesak holds a special place in the hearts of Sri Lankans as it marks the three pivotal events in the Buddha’s life. These events are believed to have occurred on the same day, making Vesak a day of great spiritual resonance. The birth of Prince Siddhartha in Lumbini, his enlightenment under the Bodhi tree in Buddha Gaya, and his passing away into Nirvana in Kushinagar are all celebrated during Vesak, highlighting the Buddha’s journey from a royal prince to an enlightened teacher.

Celebrations in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s Vesak celebrations are renowned for its unique blend of religious devotion and cultural festivities. The entire country transforms into a kaleidoscope of lights, lanterns, and decorations, reflecting the themes of enlightenment and compassion.

Pandals (Thorana): Intricately designed and illuminated structures called pandals are erected in public spaces. These large, temporary structures depict scenes from the Buddha’s life and Jataka tales (stories of the Buddha’s previous births) through vivid paintings and electric lights. Communities come together to create these pandals, showcasing their artistic skills and fostering a sense of unity.

Dansalas (Almsgiving stalls): Acts of generosity are central to Vesak celebrations. Dansalas, or free food stalls, are set up across the country, offering food and drinks to anyone who wishes to partake. This practice embodies the Buddhist virtue of Dana (charity) and reflects the spirit of sharing and compassion.

Devotional activities: Devotees engage in various religious activities, including visiting temples, offering flowers, lighting oil lamps, and observing Sil (a set of moral precepts). Meditation sessions and sermons are held, providing opportunities for spiritual growth and reflection.

Cultural performances: Traditional music, dance, and drama performances are held to commemorate Vesak. These performances often depict stories from the Buddha’s life, conveying moral lessons and celebrating Buddhist heritage.

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Study Today

Largest Compilation of Structured Essays and Exams

Vesak Festival (Buddha Purnima) | Significance | Celebration | Essay

February 16, 2018 by Study Mentor Leave a Comment

Vesak, or roughly we can call it as the birth of Lord Gautam Buddha is the festival to celebrate the birth of Lord Buddha who was the founder of the world famous religion Buddhism which is also predominately followed or practiced by a good majority of people all over the world.

It is also a well-known fact that India is the origin of the beginning of the teaching of Buddhism and that Gautam Buddha started preaching about Buddhism from here in India.

So, before we move on to as how the festival is celebrated in the different parts of the world let us first discuss what is the significance behind the celebration of this festival ‘Vesak’ is?

Table of Contents

When is Vesak celebrated?

Although the followers and the devotees of Lord Gautam Buddha are found all over the world but the festival is seen to be majorly celebrated by the East Asian countries.

They celebrate the festival of ‘Vesak’ more traditionally than other countries who practices the religion of Lord Buddha.

Of such many countries that celebrate and observe the day of ‘Vesak, few countries that are a must to include here are, Nepal, Sri Lanka India, Bhutan, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Singapore, and Indonesia.

These are the prominent countries that celebrate the birth of Lord Buddha and his life and teachings. The countries such as Nepal, Sri Lanka and India which used to celebrate the day on the full moon day which used to fall according to the Hindu calendar, and the month would usually be falling on the Vaisakha month.

And thus the festival of Vesak is also termed to be Vaisakha. The day is also called and celebrated as Buddha Purnima, the term is Vesak otherwise when translated from Pali, from Sanskrit turns to be Purnima.

Which means full moon day, and so it is also called Buddha Purnima which is said to be observed on a full moon day.

However the celebration of the Vesak in the above mentioned three countries have come down to and according to the Gregorian calendar and the above mentioned countries celebrate the festival in the months of April and May.

On the time of a leap year the festival is often observed in the month of June, on a full moon day or Purnima.

In other countries the day is celebrated according to the Chinese lunar calendar. The observation day might vary in different countries and sometimes even the time period might not even match, but the day is said to vastly dependent on the lunar calendar of the Chinese.

The 14 th or the 15 th day of the lunar time period, or in some countries such as South Korea celebrates the day on 8 th day according to the fourth month that falls in the lunar calendar of the Chinese.

Japan celebrates the day of Vesak according to the Gregorian calendar and hence observes the day in the month of May.

What is the significance of Vesak?

It is a well-known fact by the devotees of Gautam Buddha that he was a selfless man who firmly believed in the art of selflessness, forgiveness and the righteousness, he believed in giving to others as much as he can and followed the path of dharma to attain moksha.

He was so pure with his flow of selflessness that he sacrificed the worldly pleasures of a king and accepted the life of a monk in order to help others. The festival of Vesak is observed or celebrated especially so that people can give back to society.

They help the underprivileged, the poor and the needy. They do so by providing them with food, clothes and shelter. The followers of the teachings of Lord Buddha visit the underprivileged, the homeless, the sick, the less fortunate, the disabled and the needy.

They provide them with fulfilling meals and even give them company for the day, in order to bring a light of hope and happiness in their lives.

The sole purpose of the celebration of this day is to light a spark of happiness in the life of other people especially in the lives of underprivileged.

There are different forms of bringing or providing people with happiness as practiced by people living in the different parts of the world.

There are not only rituals of providing the people who are needy, sick or unfortunate with monetary help but there are traditions in different parts of the world that devotees shall carry on the teaching of Lord Buddha, by reenacting the teachings of him.

They perform acts or plays so as to make the world aware of the enlightening teaching of Lord Buddha.

They even talk or speak about his early life, how he first entered into the world of attaining Moksha, how he left his worldly pleasures of being the emperor to becoming the Enlighted monk that ever walked on earth.

There are rituals where devotees of Lord Buddha also decorate the walls of temples and even the walls of some homage houses with the pictures of Buddha and his teachings.

They light candles in the worship places and even streets. All in all the celebration or the observation of the day ensures that the day is celebrated with utter happiness and joy and the day is filled with jolly thoughts of remembering Lord Buddha.

Another important and major aspect of the celebration of the day of ‘Vesak’ is paying respect and tribute to Lord Gautam Buddha. After all he is the reason the day is celebrated and observed worldwide and he is the founder of a new religion.

However Lord Gautam Buddha wished that at the end lay when he was breathing his final words, he wished that his devotees should not only see his death as a day to only pay homage to him and gift him precious garlands and sweets.

He wanted his followers to remember his preached words and not to forget his essence of life teachings. One of such disciples was Ananda whom Lord Gautam Buddha found crying as he was breathing in his final days, he whispered to him to not cry and be sad.

He even explained that it is also a part of once life that everyone has to go and that it is an inevitable part of once life, but in order to attain moksha or eternity one must follow the path of dharma or righteousness.

There are certain simple principles that a follower or the one who practices Buddhism has to abide by so as to attain moksha or divine eternity.

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Vesak: The Buddhist Festival of Lights

There was dancing, singing and garlands of coloured lamps in Colombo–the country was celebrating the Vesak festival. The garlands of multicoloured lamps and graceful lanterns cut out of cardboard showed the inexhaustible imagination of the craftsmen . . . I see the huge colourful pandals with the images of the Buddha and the contagious merriment of the young people in the streets…

That was how the Vesak Festival impressed Mr. Vladimir Yakovlov, the first Soviet Ambassador to Sri Lanka in 1957. He described the festival as something that impressed itself on his memory and “remained for life”. Many more like him from East and West alike have carried away pleasant memories of Vesak, Sri Lanka’s premier Buddhist festival, which commemorates the triple events of the birth, enlightenment and passing away of Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha, more than 2500 years ago.

The dancing and singing in Colombo, and the garlands of coloured lamps described here, are not those of a carnival, but aspects of one of the most deeply religious festivals in all of Asia. The dancing is by the young sightseers who walk the brightly lit streets in the full moon night in May, making their way from one giant illumination to another. The singing is mainly by young people who join in groups to sing ” Bhakthi Gee “, devotional songs, in praise of the virtues of the Buddha and give lyrical expression of the teachings of the Buddha.

Buddhism, one of the oldest of living religions, had its origin in the 6th Century B.C., in India’s Ganges Valley. According to history and Buddhist tradition, its founder, the Sakya Prince Siddhartha Gautama, left his kingdom and family while still young, to seek the causes for the suffering prevalent in the inescapable cycle of birth, decay and death which all beings are subject to. The prince who became an ascetic and mendicant spent six years in his search for the truth.

He probed the existing philosophies of India to their depths, and subjected himself to extreme rigours of asceticism. Tradition holds it that he found the answers to his search on a full moon day in May, similar to the day he was born on. Enlightenment came to him as he was meditating seated under a peepul tree (Ficus religiosa), and then preached his philosophy built on uncompromising reason, and a ccx.ie of ethics espousing unsurpassed compassion and gentleness towards all.

For Sri Lankan Buddhists, Vesak has another major significance too. While it is believed that the Buddha passed away on the full moon day in May, it is the Sri Lankan tradition as laid down the ancient chronicles of the country that Prince Vijaya, the first Sinhalese settler, also arrived here from North India on the same day. In fact, the dying Buddha is believed to have said that his teachings should be preserved for 5,000 years in Sri Lanka.

Vesak, therefore, while celebrating the three major events in the life of the Buddha, also marks the anniversary of the founding of the Sinhalese race, Sri Lanka’s majority community On this eventful day. rich and poor alike participate in the mood of festivity. From dawn, when temple bells announce the festival, thousands of Buddhist devotees throng the many thousand Buddhist temples on the island. The are clad in white signifying purity of mind, and carry with them trays of fresh fragrant flowers to offer at the feet of the Buddha. Many of them also carry joss-sticks or incense sticks to be lit in the shrine rooms and bottles of coconut oil with which to fuel the brass and clay lamps in the temple.

Outside the shrine room they pay homage to the peepul or bodhi tree which is always part of a temple, in thanksgiving for the shelter it gave the Buddha at the time of his meditation. Prayer flags are hung on the branches of the tree, and it is also customary for many Buddhists to make symbolic offerings of rice, freshly cooked vegetables and fruits to the Buddha.

The religious observances over, the celebration of Vesak begins at dusk, when the dust of the day settles down, and the full moon sheds its gentle glow on the land. Every household, from the smallest to the largest, even the homes of non-Buddhists in many areas. are illuminated with myriad lights. The lights of Vesak signify the Buddha’s success in dispelling the darkness of ignorance. The lights are in many forms. They range from the little flicker of flames from clay lamp- that burn coconut oil to the paper and bamboo lanterns- better known as “Vesak lanterns”, to a variety of forms of illumination using electric jets. It is the Vesak lantern which is synonymous with Vesak illumination. They are usually octagonal shapes, with a mother lantern carrying from four to sixteen little kid lanterns around it. Depending on the skill and imagination of the makers, the shapes and designs can form that of lotus blossoms to the shapes of modern aircraft and space vehicles.

Devotees light lamps at a shrine on Vesak day. (Suresh de Silva)

A great public attraction are the giant lanterns, some more than eighty feet tall and half that in circumference. These comprise huge lanterns made of paper and bamboo, with sometimes more than a hundred clusters of smaller lanterns around a giant mother creation. The large panels on the sides of the lanterns are used to depict pictures and paintings of Buddhist stories. The making of these lanterns takes several months, and it is not unusual to see young men start on them from as early as end-March in any year. These giant lanterns are on display for at least two weeks after the Vesak full moon and draw thousands of sightseers each night.

Another special feature of Vesak illumination are the “pandals”. These are large, lit-up screens with several panels depicting Buddhist stories. One panda! is generally devoted to one story. The more popular are the Jataka’ stories or the tales of the previous incarnations of the Buddha. There are more than 500 such stories in Buddhist lore, giving a wealth of material for the artists who are skilled in painting these larger than life panels. The Vesak pandals are the biggest public draw of the two nights of the festival. People come from distant towns and villages to see them, and follow the story as described over the public address system. Special buses operate to the pandals that draw the largest crowds, and the State buses run a special panda! service during the Vesak nights.

The streets of Colombo and the larger towns become parts of a constantly changing tableau of activity during the nights ofVesak. Puppeteers display their skills at some street junctions, and amateur dramatists present wayside theatricals at other places. At some key points in the city there will be popular musical groups giving special performances of local pop. Music from electronic synthesizers will mingle with the sound of the sitar and drums in some places, and white-clad singers of devotional songs will hold up traffic as they arrive in their special decorated floats.

The thousands upon thousands who will be going from place to place, viewing one decoration after another. will never go hungry or thirsty. They will be pampered with invitations to enjoy a coloured fruit drink or the refreshing juice of a young coconut from volunteers who have set up “dansalas” or alms halls. If you are in the mood for a meal of rice and vegetables, it will be difficult to resist the invitations of the larger “dansalas” that offer just this, for free, and shared merit.

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Vesak Poya – The festival of Lights

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Vesak or Wesak, Vesākha (Pali; Sanskrit), වෙසක් පෝය (Sinhala) commemorates the three most important milestones in the life of Gautama Buddha – His birth, enlightenment and Parinirvana (Nirvana after death).

Visiting the Temple is an important part of the Vesak Poya day activities of every Buddhist family. Young and old alike offer flowers and light oil lamps, with many observing sil all day. Buddhists in Sri Lanka spend the Vesak Poya day engaged in meditation and meritorious deeds, as it is considered appropriate to make a special effort to assist those in need and bring happiness to others during one’s lifetime. It is not a time for fulfilling one’s own desires. Instead Buddhists endeavour to pay homage to Lord Buddha by decorating Temples, creating beautiful decorations depicting scenes from His life and offering prayers of worship.

Vesak celebrations in Sri Lanka

Vesak is known as the festival of light, a very appropriate name since almost all the decorations are in the form of illuminations.

Families prepare decorations in the days preceding Vesak in their homes, consisting of paper lanterns, little clay oil lamps and intricate ‘kudu’ which are large lanterns surrounded by tiny lanterns decorated in many colours. All these are lit up on Vesak evening. The true creative talents of the people in this island emerge during this time as every lantern or ‘kudu’ is unique, and produced with dedicated devotion and piety. In recent years competitions have been organized by private and state institutions to judge the best ‘kudu’, and a very significant feature of these contests has been the innovative use of natural materials such as twigs, jute and leaves, veering away from the common practice of using paper when making these decorations.

Pandols are another beautiful expression of homage to Lord Buddha. These are huge board-like structures with illustrations of Jataka Katha or folk tales associated with the Blessed One. The entire structure and the individual sections within it are illuminated by hundreds of coloured blinking lights. The story, which always has a moral attached to it, is also narrated over a PA system for the benefit of the crowd gathered to witness this beautiful creation. A new innovation in the form of digital pandols has further promoted the theme of environmentally friendly decorations and reduced energy consumption.

Dansal: Free food and drinks for all

Dansal or alms-giving stalls are another popular sight all over Sri Lanka during Vesak, rendering an immense service to the people. These roadside stalls offer anything from soft drinks, ice cream, coffee, rice and curry to noodles and fruit salad, all free of charge. The food is bought and prepared using donations of money and dry rations from devotees, and everyone is welcome at these stalls. Operating a dansala and providing free food and drink is considered one of the most meritorious acts one can engage in during the Vesak festivities.

Historic significance of Vesak

Vesak commemorates three significant events in the Buddha’s life. The first one is His birth. It is said that His mother Queen Maha Maya was travelling from Kapilavasthu (her husband’s kingdom) to her father’s kingdom to give birth to her first child, as was the tradition. On the way however, her son Prince Siddhartha Gautama was born under a Sal tree in the garden of Lumbini. Several brahmin and ascetics are said to have predicted that He would become either a great King or a holy man who would change the universe.

The second event which is commemorated is the Buddha’s Enlightenment. At the age of 29, he left his father’s palace in search of the truth, renouncing all worldly possessions and begging for alms in the street. His search continued through the next few years, until at the age of 35, he attained Enlightenment seated under a Bodhi Tree, in a place called Bodh Gaya in India. It has been recorded that He reached attained Enlightenment after 49 days of meditation.

The Buddha’s Parinirvana is also remembered on Vesak Poya day. The Buddha was 80 years old, travelling with his cousin Ananda preaching the Dhamma, but his health was steadily deteriorating. His Parinirvana (death) occurred in a peaceful grove of Sal trees in Kushinagar, surrounded by his disciple monks. He lay on a couch on His right, with his feet one on top of the other and His right hand supporting His head. This position has been replicated in many a statue of the Enlightened One, called the Statue of the Reclining Buddha. It is said that the Sal trees, in spite of not being in season bloomed and shed their pale yellow petals on Him as He passed into Nirvana. Previously He had preached that all compounded things, including one’s own body, must disintegrate. He instructed his followers to pay homage to Him by leading noble lives, practice love and kindness, develop their minds and bring peace and harmony to the all living beings.

Be a part of the celebrations

Vesak in Sri Lanka is an experience not to be missed. Tourslanka will customise a holiday package that will enable you to see the beautiful decorations and visit some of the historic Temples. A tour of Colombo too will be included and this will no doubt leave you dazzled and amazed. We invite you to contact us today, you can look forward to an experience that will stay in your memory for a lifetime.

Vesak – Festival of lights and Buddhism in Sri Lanka

If you are lucky enough to be in Sri Lanka in May, make sure to enjoy and admire the most important Buddhist celebration; Vesak festival, which lights up almost every city on the island. One of the most important celebrations of the year.

The traditions.

This Buddhist celebration is celebrated once a year, during the full moon in May. Vesak festival commemorates the birth, enlightenment (nirvana), and death (parinirvaana) of the Buddha . These three events happened on the same day but different years, which is why Buddhists celebrate this day with great fervor.

On this special occasion, most Buddhist practitioners follow those rituals:

Dress in white
Visit local temples, and bring flowers, and incense sticks
Light oil lamps as symbolic offerings to Buddha
Make paper lanterns and decorate the fronts of their homes, stalls, shops, etc.

Sri Lankans decorate their homes with colorful “ Vesak lanterns ”. It’s a custom to go see the decorations at Vesak’s night, many “pandals” with light illuminate the streets.

Many Buddhists will follow these rituals in order to practice morality, simplicity, and humility, the most important Buddhist principles.

The atmosphere

Strolling along the streets is definitely the best way to fully enjoy the energy and atmosphere that this festival gives off. Depending on the area, do not hesitate to talk and exchange with the locals. Many initiatives are undertaken by charities to bring some happiness to the elderly, the disabled, and the sick.

Food stalls are set up by Buddhist worshipers called ‘dansälas’ and provide passers-by with free food and drink. They will be happy to offer you drinks such as tea or coffee, fruit, meals, or even ice cream. This is the spirit of this festival.

Namely, during this week, the entire island is encouraged to be vegetarian and the sale of alcohol and fresh meat is prohibited by a government decree.

If you want to know more about the various celebrations in Sri Lanka, we invite you to read our dedicated page on this theme or our article on languages and religions .

In case you want to discover by yourself the local culture and experience unique festivals, we provide tailor-made tours including some focused on the culture ., you might also like.

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News Buddha Buzz

Buddha Buzz Weekly: For the Second Year, Buddhists Celebrate Vesak, the Buddha’s Birthday, at Home

Another pandemic birthday. Plus, the Chinese government declares it must approve the Dalai Lama’s successor, and international protests call for the release of the Panchen Lama on the 26th anniversary of his abduction.

Nothing is permanent, so everything is precious. Here’s a selection of some happenings—fleeting or otherwise—in the Buddhist world this week.

Another Pandemic Birthday: How Buddhists Are Celebrating Vesak This Year

This spring marks the second year that Buddhists around the world will celebrate Vesak , a holiday commemorating the Buddha’s birthday, death, and enlightenment, under the confines of pandemic life. Similar to Vesak 2020 , many countries and Buddhist temples have opted for scaled-down or online versions of the traditional events, which include prayer, chanting, the lighting of candles and paper lanterns, and the offering of gifts. In Thailand, where the Buddha’s birthday, or “Visakha Bucha Day,” falls on May 26 this year, religious activities will follow strict COVID-19 preventative measures, according to the Bangkok Post . Thailand’s minister of culture, Ittipol Khunplome, has encouraged Buddhists to celebrate Visakha Bucha Day via online ceremonies hosted by the Department of Religious Affairs and a network of Buddhist leaders from May 20–26.

South Korea’s Buddhist community also adhered to COVID-19 precautions when it celebrated the Buddha’s birthday on May 19, Yonhap News Agency reported. President Moon Jae-in expressed his gratitude to the Buddhist community for deciding to cancel the annual lotus lantern festival, Yeon Deung Hoe, a decision made more difficult due to the festival’s recent listing as a UNESCO event of Intangible Cultural Heritage . “It’s natural wanting to celebrate the feat, but the Buddhist community decided to cancel this year’s lantern festival and hold an online event instead,” Moon said in a message shared on social media.

Although South Korean Buddhists could not gather in Seoul for the festival, they will be able to visit a rare Buddha for the first time. A giant scroll painting of Rocana Buddha traveled from its permanent home at the Sinwon Temple in South Chungcheong to be displayed at the National Museum of Korea in central Seoul, just in time for the Buddha’s birthday. According to Korea JoongAng Daily, the gigantic 17th-century painting (32.8 feet high and 21 feet wide)—and Korea’s National Treasure No. 299—will be on display until September 26.

China Releases White Paper Declaring it Must Approve the Dalai Lama’s Successor

In a white paper titled “Tibet Since 1951: Liberation, Development and Prosperity,” released on Friday, the Chinese government said it must approve any successor to the Dalai Lama —and that Tibet has been a part of China for centuries, India’s Economic Times reports. When the current Dalai Lama, the 14th generation of a lineage that dates back to 1642, dies, regents—typically the Dalai Lama’s disciples—will begin searching for his reincarnation, following the guidance of oracles and omens from religious leaders. As the Dalai Lama ages (he is currently 85 years old), the subject of his successor has become particularly pressing. In December 2020, the US Congress passed the The Tibetan Policy and Support Act, which calls interference by China in the identification of the future Dalai Lama “a serious human rights abuse.” Read more about what happens after the Dalai Lama dies here .

International Protests Call for the Release of the 11th Panchen Lama

On May 17, Tibetans and Tibetan supporters around the world banded together to call for the immediate release of the 11th Panchen Lama , Gedhun Choekyi Nyima. The day marked the 26th anniversary of his forced abduction by the Chinese government. Now 32, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima was only six years old when he was abducted, making him the world’s youngest political prisoner. In London, Tibetans protested outside of the Chinese embassy, pressuring for information on the Panchen Lama’s whereabouts and demanding his release. Members of the Tibetan Youth Association in Europe joined in by contacting Chinese embassies in their respective countries. In New York, a similar protest was organized by the Tibetan Youth Congress outside of the city’s Chinese Consulate. The Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) also hosted a virtual event commemorating the release of Tibet’s Stolen Child: Remembering the story of the Panchen Gedhun Choekyi Nyima . “The book is yet another reminder to China that no matter how many years may pass, Tibetans and supporters will continue to seek Panchen Lama Gedhun Choekyi Nyima’s release and keep the flame seeking truth and justice alive,” said the CTA.

Japanese Priest DJs Techno Services

In Fukui, Japan, a priest has revived attendance at his small temple by giving his services a modern twist: techno music and light shows. Though he was passionate about DJing in his youth, Gyosen Asakura eventually followed in his family’s footsteps and became a 17th-generation priest. Now, he’s found a way to combine his love for music with his religious life. “The main teaching of Buddhism is nothing will remain . Everything will change . So, I thought the traditional way of teaching must change as well,” Asakura told the Indianapolis-based TV station WTHR. “Traditionally, the temple would try to recreate the world of light with gold decorations. So, the traditional music can change. Suiting the music to the modern generation.” WTHR’s full segment on Asakura can be found here .

Neighboring Bhutan and Sri Lanka Send Prayers and Support to India’s COVID-19 Victims

On Wednesday, India reported 4,529 deaths from COVID-19 in 24 hours—a new global high as the country’s second wave continues to rage. However, as the New York Times has reported , this number doesn’t even represent the real toll because so many cases and fatalities don’t get reported. In response to the surge, neighboring Bhutan has pledged Buddhist prayers and liquid oxygen to India. On May 12, the Zhung Dratshang, Bhutan’s central Buddhist monastic body, offered 1,000 butter lamps and prayers to COVID victims, specifically those in India. On May 15, King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck visited the oxygen plant that will supply 40 metric tons of liquid oxygen per day to Assam. Meanwhile, the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC), a radio station in the neighboring country, started airing the Ratana Sutta , known as the “Jewel Discourse,” to bless India’s COVID victims last week. Though the sutta has been airing since October 2020, SLBC director Chandrapala Liyanage said last week that they have entered a second phase of the program in partnership with the Indian High Commission in Colombo. “We have extremely strong ties with India, and Buddhism came to Sri Lanka from India. That is specifically the reason why we decided to air the chantings for India,” Liyanage said .

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Wesak/Vesak: Celebrating Buddha's Universal Message

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Wesak/Vesak: Celebrating Buddha's Universal Message essay

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Vesak Message from His Holiness the Dalai Lama

It gives me great pleasure to offer greetings to Buddhist brothers and sisters across the world celebrating Vesak (Buddha Purnima) today.

Shakyamuni Buddha was born in Lumbini, attained enlightenment in Bodh Gaya and passed away in Kushinagar 2600 years ago, yet I believe his teaching is universal and continues to be relevant today. Moved by a deep sense of concern to help others, following his enlightenment the Buddha spent the rest of his life as a monk, sharing his experience with everyone who wished to listen. Both his view of dependent arising and his advice not to harm anyone, but to help whoever you can, emphasize the practice of non-violence. This remains one of the most potent forces for good in the world today, for non-violence, motivated by compassion, is to be of service to our fellow beings.

In an increasingly interdependent world, our own welfare and happiness depend on many other people. Today, the challenges we face require us to accept the oneness of humanity. Despite superficial differences between us, people are equal in their basic wish for peace and happiness. Part of Buddhist practice involves training our minds through meditation. For our training in calming our minds, developing qualities such as love, compassion, generosity and patience, to be effective, we must put them into practice in day-to-day life.

Until relatively recently, the world's diverse Buddhist communities had only a distant understanding of each other's existence and no opportunity to appreciate how much we share in common. Today, almost the entire array of Buddhist traditions that evolved in different lands is accessible to anyone who is interested. What's more, those of us who practise and teach these various Buddhist traditions are now able to meet and learn from one another.

As a Tibetan Buddhist monk, I consider myself an heir to the Nalanda tradition. The way Buddhism was taught and studied at Nalanda University, rooted in reason and logic, represents the zenith of its development in India. If we are to be 21st century Buddhists, it is important that we engage in the study and analysis of Buddha's teachings, as so many did there, instead of simply relying on faith.

The world has changed substantially since the time of the Buddha. Modern science has developed a sophisticated understanding of the physical realm. Buddhist science on the other hand, has achieved a detailed, first-person understanding of the workings of the mind and emotions, areas still relatively new to modern science. Each therefore has crucial knowledge with which to complement the other. I believe that combining these two approaches has great potential to lead to discoveries that will enrich our physical, emotional and social well-being.

As Buddhists we are the one's upholding the Buddha's teaching, but his message is relevant in our broader interaction with the rest of humanity. We need to promote inter-religious understanding by underlining the fact that all religions promote the happiness of all people. Also, in this time of serious crisis confronting the world, when we face threats to our health and we feel saddened for the family and friends we have lost, we must focus on what unites us as members of one human family. Accordingly, we need to reach out to each other with compassion, for it is only by coming together in a coordinated, global effort that we will meet the unprecedented challenges we face.

Dalai Lama, 7 May 2020

New Way To Sinhala language skills development

Mobile phone and social progress

Will science degrade human development?

Vesak festival.

Simple idea…

The Vesak Poya is the day when the birth, enlightenment and enlightenment of Gautama Buddha took place. Buddhists in many countries around the world celebrate this Vesak Full Moon Poya day with following of “Amisa and Pratipatti Pooja” Dhamma.

About 624 BC, Prince Siddhartha was born on the full moon day of Vesak full moon in North India. Prince Siddhartha, who lived a life of all virtues, decided to abandon his personal comfort, happiness and kingship. He then went into the wilderness to meditate on the truth of the world. at the end He followed the “comprising principle” and realized the noble Buddha in the shade of an ash tree in the Gaya Head of the Neranjana River. Since then he has dedicated himself to building a better society by uplifting the virtues of people around the world. Gautama Buddha performed Pirinivas on the day of Vesak full moon in the Upanthwana Sal Sal forest in Malla Rata, Kusinara.

In addition to this, Sri Lankans also carry out decorations, pandals and lighting lanterns which belong to the Aamissa Pooja, the day after the Vesak Poya day. Not only Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims and Christians alike are united as one mother’s children for such things.

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niyamayy mata godak udaw una o/l exam ekata ela niyamayy

Embassy of Sri Lanka in Moscow celebrates Vesak

On 18 May, 2019 the Embassy of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka in the Russian Federation celebrated Vesak with the participation of Embassy officials and representatives of the Sri Lankan student community in Moscow, particularly such universities as People’s Friendship University of Russia (RUDN), Moscow Automobile and Road Construction State Technical University (MADI), Moscow Power Engineering Institute (MEI), Bauman State Technical University, Moscow Aviation Institute (MAI), Moscow State University of Civil Engineering (MSUCE), First Moscow State Medical University, and Russian State University of Physical Education, Sport Youth and Tourism.

Following “Gilanpasa Pooja”, H.E. Dr. Dayan Jayatilleka, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Sri Lanka to Russia, lighted the colorful Vesak lanterns, which had been created by students from the Moscow Automobile and Road Construction State Technical University (MADI) and the Russian State University of Physical Education, Sport Youth and Tourism. The lanterns were displayed in front of the Chancery building and the Embassy premises were also decorated with traditional Vesak ornaments and Buddhist flags.

H.E. the Ambassador commended everyone, who had contributed to make the Vesak celebrations a success. The event was followed by refreshments, arranged for all participants.

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Festivals/Events

White nights festival - russia's biggest celebration.

World festivals mark global events that are a must-see for any dedicated traveler. Although lesser known than major global favorites like Carnival or Burning Man , the White Nights Festival in Russia is a collision of culture, arts and music that provides one of the richest experience around.

Every May through July, the streets of St. Petersburg, Russia, come alive with colorful celebrations and performances by some of the world's most talented artists. The White Nights Festival is an international arts festival that takes place during the season of the midnight sun, when the Northern Light shines at both dawn and dusk, allowing the millions of festival-goers that visit each year the opportunity to celebrate all day and all night long.

A Cultural Celebration of Music and Arts

The festival celebrates the arts of opera, ballet, and classical music and is kicked off with the "Stars of the White Nights" at the world famous Mariinsky Theatre. The program presents the company's most exceptional productions, with performances by leading Russian and international artists, and combines famous historical productions along with new premieres and contemporary pieces. This year's program kicks off on May 27th and has featured nationally renowned productions like Swan Lake in the past. During the festival there are daily evening performances of either ballet or opera at the theatre and classical or opera musical performances at the Mariinsky Concert Hall. The series of performances always features some of the biggest names in the arts world, including famed Spanish tenor Placido Domingo, Russian operatic soprano Anna Netrebko , and Los Angeles Opera conductor James Conlon. Ballet performances have included revivals of Russian choreographer George Balanchine's classics, as well as contemporary dance versions of The Nutcracker and Cinderella. The performances are all widely attended and visitors' best bet would be to purchase tickets online in advance.

Carnivals - Fun for the Whole Family

Carnivals also occur during the White Nights Festival and allow both children and adults to delight in traditional games and fine food. The largest carnival is held in the suburb of Peterhof, where historical figures and events are reinterpreted by costumed actors. Carnivals at the Catherine Palace and in the Pavlovsk suburb of St. Petersburg are also known for their highly artistic reproductions of the historic events that took place at those palaces. For music lovers, St. Petersburg's Palace Square becomes home to some of the international music world's biggest stars during the festival. The large square has been used for official military parades and massive demonstrations, and has also been the site of recent concerts by legendary musicians like Paul McCartney and The Rolling Stones.

Fireworks and Finales

The culminating event of the festival is the Scarlet Sails celebration, which is a massive event to celebrate the end of the school year that is known for its spectacular fireworks display and a water show that features boats full of pirates battling on the Neva River. Musical acts and motorboat and rowing races are also highlights of the celebration. The tradition began in St. Petersburg after the end of WWII, when several schools in Leningrad united to celebrate the ending of a school year in connection with symbolism of the popular children's book "Scarlet Sails" by Alexander Grin. At the first celebration a boat with scarlet sails sailed along the English Embankment and the Admiralty Embankment towards the Winter Palace.

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Workers, activists mark May Day with defiant rallies

Moscow – Workers and activists marked May Day on Tuesday with rallies to demand their government address labor issues.

International Workers’ Day is a public holiday in many countries, though activities are restricted in some places, sometimes leading to confrontations.

A look at some of the events around the world:

More than 100,000 people came out on the streets on Moscow to march in the traditional May Day parade.

Moscow’s Federation of Trade Unions said about 120,000 people marched from the Red Square on the main streets of the Russian capital to mark May Day.

Over recent years, the parade became a highly orchestrated show of power by Russian authorities and the ruling United Russia party, with the demonstrators refraining from criticizing the government.

In St. Petersburg, Russia’s second-largest city, however, Russians unhappy with the Kremlin’s attempts to curtail internet freedom joined the official May Day demonstration.

Several hundred people braved the rainy weather and joined the column marching across St. Petersburg to protest the government’s ban of popular messaging app Telegram.

About 10,000 people rallied in Moscow on Monday to protest the blocking of Telegram.

Police in Istanbul detained more than a dozen demonstrators who tried to march toward Istanbul’s symbolic main square in defiance of a ban.

Turkey declared Taksim Square off-limits to May Day celebrations citing security concerns. Roads leading to the square were blocked and police allowed only small groups of labor union representatives to lay wreaths at a monument there.

Still, a group of some 25 people, chanting “Taksim cannot be off limits on May 1” tried to push their way into the square but were rounded up by riot police.

Major trade unions were scheduled to mark the day with rallies at government-designated areas in Istanbul and Ankara

Taksim holds a symbolic value for Turkey’s labor movement. In 1977, 34 people were killed there during a May Day event when shots were fired into the crowd from a nearby building.

Thousands of Greeks are marching through central Athens in at least three separate May Day demonstrations.

Museums were also shut while ferries remain were tied up in port and public transport operated on a reduced schedule in strikes marking labor day.

Police said at least 7,000 people were at the first demonstration in Athens, which was organized by a communist party-led union. The protesters marched by parliament and headed up a major avenue to the United States Embassy.

Another four demonstrations were planned in Greece’s second largest city of Thessaloniki in the north.

Trains, the suburban railway, urban trolleys and ferries to and from the islands suspended operations for the day, while buses and the Athens metro system were operating on reduced schedules.

Sri Lanka’s government has postponed the rallies and processions that mark May Day because the weeklong celebrations of the national festival of Vesak carry on until May 2 this year.

The government said in a statement that the decision was taken following requests by leading Buddhist monks, who are very influential in this majority Buddhist country. Vesak is also known as Buddha Purnima and marks the enlightenment of Lord Buddha.

The government has asked political parties and trade unions not to hold rallies on May 1. Some have said they will ignore the government directive and mark the day.

Usually, Sri Lankan political parties and trade unions celebrate the International Workers’ Day with colorful parades and giant rallies to showcase their political and organizational strength.

The government said it will mark International Workers’ Day on May 7.

Philippines

About 5,000 people from various groups rallied near the presidential palace in Manila to protest the failure of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte to fulfill a major campaign promise to end contractualization, the widespread practice of short-term employment.

The protesters also demanded that the government address issues including low wages, unemployment and trade union repression.

South Korea

Thousands of labor union members rallied in downtown Seoul for a higher minimum wage and other demands.

They chanted slogans urging the government to implement a 10,000 won ($9.34) minimum wage and convert all non-regular employees to regular workers with equal pay and treatment.

The rally was organized by the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions. The police estimated the crowd at 10,000 people.

The union members also demanded that the government scrap the restructuring of the shipbuilding and automobile industries, and reform the huge conglomerates that dominate the South Korean economy.

About 10,000 workers from various labor groups rallied near the presidential palace in Jakarta to voice their demands.

Most of the workers came from Jakarta and nearby suburbs, but some traveled from West Java and Surabaya.

The protesters urged the government to avoid outsourcing, and to raise their wages. They also asked the government to stop foreign laborers from working in Indonesia, saying it decreases employment opportunities for local workers.

About 2,000 garment workers gathered at a park in Cambodia’s capital, Phnom Penh, for a rally organized by a garment union coalition.

The workers wanted to march to the National Assembly to urge lawmakers to help them address labor-related concerns, but the group was stopped by riot police.

Prime Minister Hun Sun spent May Day with some 5,000 garment workers just outside Phnom Penh. He thanked the workers by announcing that each of them will receive 50,000 riel ($12.50). With a general election coming up in July, Hun Sen for the past year has been courting the large bloc of garment workers, whose unions traditionally have been strong supporters of the opposition.

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Vesak Festival
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Vesak festival in sri lanka essay in 2021
වෙසක් උත්සවය රචනාව/ Wesak uthsawaya rachanawa/ Vesak Festival Essay/ for grade 3,4,5
Vesak Festival
Vesak Festival

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Essay on Vesak Festival
250 Words Essay on Vesak Festival Vesak Festival: A Celebration of Buddha's Life. Vesak is an important festival celebrated by Buddhists all over the world. It is a day to commemorate the birth, enlightenment, and passing away of Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. This day is also known as Buddha Purnima or Buddha Jayanti.
Free Essay: Vesak
Filter Results. Vesak is considered as both a religious and cultural festival in Sri Lanka. It is celebrated on the day of the full moon in May. Vesak Day is one of the biggest days of the year in the Buddhist calendar and is celebrated by Buddhists all over the world. Buddhists commemorate the important events that took place in the life of ...
Vesak
Vesak (Pali: Vesākha; Sanskrit: Vaiśākha), also known as Buddha Jayanti, [11] Buddha Purnima, [12] and Buddha Day, is a holiday traditionally observed by Buddhists in South Asia and Southeast Asia, as well as Tibet and Mongolia. [13] It is among the most important Buddhist festivals.The festival commemorates the birth, enlightenment (), and death (Parinirvāna) of Gautama Buddha in ...
Vesak
The Theravada Vesak festival in its current form took shape in Sri Lanka in the 19th century. Under the British colonial government, the Buddhist establishment that had previously enjoyed a close relationship to statecraft was sidelined, and Christian missionary work further marginalized Buddhists. A Buddhist revival movement developed in the middle of the 19th century to counter the rising ...
The Significance and Traditions of Vesak Festival
Vesak Festival celebrates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Gautama Buddha. The festival promotes universal peace and encourages kindness and compassion towards all living beings. Traditions include lighting oil lamps, making and sharing vegetarian food, visiting temples, and engaging in meditation and reflection on the teachings of the ...
Vesak festival, the most important holy day in Buddhism
Vesak, the most sacred day to millions of Buddhists around the world, is celebrated today, May 23, commemorating the birth, enlightenment, and death of the Buddha. May 23rd, 2024 at 08:31 am ...
Vesak: The significance of Sri Lanka's revered Buddhist festival
Vesak, also known as Buddha Purnima or Buddha Day, is the most significant and widely celebrated Buddhist festival in Sri Lanka. It commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and passing away (Parinirvana) of Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. Celebrated on the full moon day of the lunar month of Vesakha, typically in May, Vesak is a time of ...
Vesak Festival (Buddha Purnima)
The festival of Vesak is observed or celebrated especially so that people can give back to society. They help the underprivileged, the poor and the needy. They do so by providing them with food, clothes and shelter. The followers of the teachings of Lord Buddha visit the underprivileged, the homeless, the sick, the less fortunate, the disabled ...
Vesak: The Buddhist Festival of Lights
The Vesak pandals are the biggest public draw of the two nights of the festival. People come from distant towns and villages to see them, and follow the story as described over the public address system. Special buses operate to the pandals that draw the largest crowds, and the State buses run a special panda! service during the Vesak nights.
Vesak Poya
Vesak or Wesak, Vesākha (Pali; Sanskrit), වෙසක් පෝය (Sinhala) commemorates the three most important milestones in the life of Gautama Buddha - His birth, enlightenment and Parinirvana (Nirvana after death). Visiting the Temple is an important part of the Vesak Poya day activities of every Buddhist family. Young and old alike offer flowers and light oil lamps, with ...
වෙසක් උත්සවය ගැන රචනා
From this playlist you can watch and learn a collection of vesak festival essay in english and Sinhala languages. මෙම ලැයිස්තුවෙන් ...
Vesak
The traditions. This Buddhist celebration is celebrated once a year, during the full moon in May. Vesak festival commemorates the birth, enlightenment (nirvana), and death (parinirvaana) of the Buddha. These three events happened on the same day but different years, which is why Buddhists celebrate this day with great fervor.
Vesak 2021: How Buddhists Celebrated the Buddha's Birthday
May 22, 2021. A scaled-down lantern festival was livestreamed from Jogyesa Buddhist Temple in Seoul, South Korea for Vesak, the Buddha's Birthday. | Photo by Minsik Jung / Alamy. Nothing is permanent, so everything is precious. Here's a selection of some happenings—fleeting or otherwise—in the Buddhist world this week.
Wesak/Vesak: Celebrating Buddha's Universal Message
Download. Essay, Pages 7 (1723 words) Views. 6613. Wesak also known as Vesak is a significant and crucial aspect of Buddhism that is celebrated widely by many different countries including Thailand, China, Sri Lanka and Indonesia. The ritual Parinirvana celebrates Buddha's birth, enlightenment and death for both individuals and the greater ...
Let's Write an Essay
This lesson will help you to improve your writing skills in English. It will also help you improve your vocabulary, grammar and listening skill too.
Vesak Message from His Holiness the Dalai Lama
Vesak Message from His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The 14th Dalai Lama 02:52. It gives me great pleasure to offer greetings to Buddhist brothers and sisters across the world celebrating Vesak (Buddha Purnima) today. Shakyamuni Buddha was born in Lumbini, attained enlightenment in Bodh Gaya and passed away in Kushinagar 2600 years ago, yet I ...
Vesak Festival
This Essay has 273 a words. Total number of words to be = 200. Total Marks = 14. Sinhala essay :- Vesak Festival - Grade 8. The Vesak Poya is the day when the birth, enlightenment and enlightenment of Gautama Buddha took place. Grade 8 sinhala Essya about Vesak Festival.
Embassy of Sri Lanka in Moscow celebrates Vesak
On 18 May, 2019 the Embassy of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka in the Russian Federation celebrated Vesak with the participation of Embassy officials and representatives of the Sri Lankan student community in Moscow, particularly such universities as People's Friendship University of Russia (RUDN), Moscow Automobile and Road Construction State Technical University (MADI ...
White Nights Festival
A Cultural Celebration of Music and Arts. The festival celebrates the arts of opera, ballet, and classical music and is kicked off with the "Stars of the White Nights" at the world famous Mariinsky Theatre. The program presents the company's most exceptional productions, with performances by leading Russian and international artists, and ...
'Virtuosos of Guitar 2008' festival, Moscow. Goran Krivokapić
http://guitarmag.net -- Guitar Magazine'Virtuosos of Guitar 2008' festival, Moscow. Goran Krivokapić plays 2 out of 6 Divertimenti by Fernando Sor. Recorded ...
Workers, activists mark May Day with defiant rallies
Moscow - Workers and activists marked May Day on Tuesday with rallies to demand their government address labor issues.. International Workers' Day is a public holiday in many countries, though ...