Buddha's Birthday
May 5, Monday
Traditions and Customs
Prayers and services. On this day, Buddhists hold special prayers and ceremonies in temples. In a number of countries, mass religious gatherings are held.
Donations and charity. The holiday is accompanied by campaigns to help the poor, donations to support monasteries and temples.
Refreshment of Buddha statues. In many countries, it is traditional to wash a Buddha statue with water or flowers. This symbolizes cleansing from suffering and the beginning of a new path.
Flowers and decorations. Flowers, especially lotuses, are a symbol of purity in Buddhism, and on Buddha's Birthday, temples and homes are decorated with flowers.
Regional Differences in Celebration
Sri Lanka. On this day, processions with images of Buddha are held, many Buddhists also observe a strict fast and practice meditation.
Tibet and Nepal. Here, the celebration is more modest, with an emphasis on rituals related to the life of Buddha.
Thailand, Laos and Cambodia. The holiday usually includes large public events, such as feeding monks, holding festive parades, and chanting sacred texts.