Buddhist Holidays and Observances
Bodhi Day - This Holy Day honours Buddha’s achievement of enlightenment (Nirvana). Bodhi Day is celebrated in a calm and quiet way. Buddhists will often spend time meditating and praying, thinking about the Noble Eightfold Path and the Four Noble Truths.
Parinirvana Day (or Nirvana Day) - An annual Buddhist festival that remembers the death of the Buddha when he reached Nirvana at the age of 80. Buddhists may celebrate Nirvana Day by meditating or by going to Buddhist temples or monasteries.
Magha Puja - celebrated on the full moon day of the third lunar month. It is traditional to use this day to honour the Three Jewels of Buddhism: the Buddha (his enlightenment), the Sangha (the community of Buddhists around the world) and the Dharma (the teachings of the Buddha).
Vesak (Buddha Day) – Celebrated every year on the full moon in May, this is the most significant Buddhist holiday. It is also known as Wesak or Buddha Day. It is a celebration of Buddha's birthday and, for some Buddhists, marks his enlightenment. It is also a time to reflect on his teachings and what it means to be Buddhist
Asalha Puja (Dharma Day) - This day is celebrated by some Buddhists in commemoration of the Buddha's first sermon. It is seen as an opportunity for Buddhists to show their gratitude to the Buddha and to other enlightened teachers who have shared their knowledge.
Obon Festival – An annual Buddhist event that takes place over the course of several days commemorating and honouring ancestors. It is believed that each year during Obon, the ancestors' spirits return to this world in order to visit their relatives.