What is VESAK?

Vesakha Puja (Pali) is one of the three main Buddhist holidays. On this day, Buddhists commemorate the birth, enlightenment and parinibbana (passing away) of Gautama Buddha, all of which traditionally took place on the full moon of the month of Vesakha of the lunar calendar of ancient India. Puja (Pali) means “paying respect. Vesakha Puja takes place in April, May or June, and is a national holiday in Buddhist countries of all streams.

In many Buddhist temples, people pay respect to the Buddha on Vesakha Puja by silently walking right around a stupa three times. In addition, special sermons or speeches are often given, and the laity often devote attention to preparing a suitable gift dedicated to the Buddha or the Sangha.

Date 2025 of the VESAK day, celebrated all through Buddhist countries: May 12, 2025

VESAK 2014 photo during a VESAK conference, getting Vietnamese volunteers enthusiastic regarding WorldSupporter.