Vesak

Vesākha (Pali; Sanskrit: Vaiśākha), also known as Buddha Purnima and Buddha Day, is a holiday observed traditionally by Buddhists on different days in India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Tibet, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia and Myanmar and in other places all over the world. Sometimes informally called "Buddha's Birthday", it actually commemorates the birth, enlightenment (nirvāna), and death (Parinirvāna) of Gautama Buddha in the Theravada or southern tradition.

History

The decision to agree to celebrate Vesākha as the Buddha’s birthday was formalized at the first conference of the World Fellowship of Buddhists held in Sri Lanka in 1950, although festivals at this time in the Buddhist world are a centuries-old tradition. The resolution that was adopted at the World Conference reads as follows:

On Vesākha Day, Buddhists all over the world commemorate events of significance to Buddhists of all traditions: The birth, enlightenment and the passing away of Gautama Buddha. As Buddhism spread from India it was assimilated into many foreign cultures, and consequently Vesākha is celebrated in many different ways all over the world. In India, Vaishakh Purnima day is also known as Buddha Jayanti day and has been traditionally accepted as Buddha's birth day.

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Latest News for: vesak

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Việt Nam to host 20th UN Vesak Day, highlighting Buddhist insights for global peace

Vietnam News 23 Apr 2025
Việt Nam will host the UN Day of Vesak 2025, spotlighting global unity and Buddhist insights for peace ... HÀ NỘI — Việt Nam will host the 20th United Nations Day of Vesak, a celebration of ...
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Việt Nam prepares to host UN Day of Vesak Celebrations 2025

Vietnam News 22 Apr 2025
HÀ NỘI — The 20th UN Day of Vesak Celebrations will take place in at HCM City's Việt Nam Buddhist University from May 6-8, or from the 9th - 11th day of the fourth lunar month, with preparations underway across the nation.
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Over 1,200 delegates to attend Vesak 2025 as Việt Nam wraps up preparations

Vietnam News 17 Apr 2025
Organisers have announced the completion of the main venue and readiness to welcome over 1,200 delegates for the global Buddhist celebration Vesak 2025 ... HCM CITY — Preparations for the Vesak ...
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