Buddha’s birthday is an important holiday in many Asian countries where Buddhists commemorate the birth, enlightenment, and death of the Buddha. The occasion is used to reflect on Buddha’s teachings and what it means to practice the faith. Observers commonly attend temples, decorate their homes with lanterns, gather for feasts, and participate in rituals involving statues of Buddha. The birthday of the historical Buddha, also known as Vesak, is celebrated on different dates depending on the school of Buddhism or country to which one belongs, falling on May 15 in some Asian countries and on May 23 in others.
Siddhartha, who later became known as the Buddha, was born in Lumbini to Queen Maya and King Suddhodana. According to Buddhist lore, his birth was miraculous, with the queen dreaming of an auspicious white elephant entering her womb and the baby taking seven steps and receiving a cleansing bath from gods or dragon kings. Siddhartha grew up sheltered from pain and suffering, but upon witnessing sickness, old age, and death, he began to reflect and eventually attained enlightenment at the age of 35 in Bodh Gaya. He then became known as the Buddha, meaning “the awakened one.”
Buddhists around the world celebrate Buddha’s birthday by reflecting on his teachings and practicing the faith. In many parts of Asia, the day marks not just the birth but also the enlightenment and passing of the Buddha. Buddhists attend temples, participate in chanting, meditation, and festivities, decorate their homes with lanterns, and gather for feasts. In South Korea, Buddha’s birthday is a national holiday, with the highlight being the lotus lantern festival called Yeondeunghoe, featuring a parade of colorful lanterns and traditional games and performances.
In China, a bathing ceremony is performed on Buddha’s birthday where blessed water is poured over a statue of the infant Buddha. In Japan, the day is celebrated as Hana Matsuri, or flower festival, with a flower hall set up on temple grounds and sweet tea poured over a statue of the baby Buddha. In South and Southeast Asia, Buddha’s birthday is celebrated on the full moon of the second lunar month, known as Vesakha or Vaisakha. The Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya is decorated on this day, and devotees perform special prayers under the bodhi tree where the Buddha attained enlightenment.
In Malaysia and China, animals and birds are set free on Buddha’s birthday as a symbol of good karma. In Sri Lanka, celebrations include decorating homes and streets with candles and lanterns, devotional songs, and light displays depicting stories from Buddha’s life. In Vietnam, Buddha’s birthday is a popular festival with various cultural activities, although it is not a public holiday. Overall, Buddha’s birthday is a significant occasion for Buddhists around the world to reflect on the teachings and legacy of the Buddha and to celebrate his life and enlightenment.
