Festivals in Buddhism

Definition

Festivals in Buddhism are special occasions observed by Buddhists to honour the Buddha and his teachings. They often correspond with significant events or milestones in the Buddha’s life.

Important Festivals

The Buddha Day or Vesak is the most significant Buddhist festival. It commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and death (Nirvana) of the Buddha.
Dhamma Day or Asalha Puja is a day of celebration where Buddhists pay homage to the Dhamma, or teaching, of the Buddha.
Sangha Day or Magha Puja, celebrated on the full-moon day of the third lunar month, honours the Sangha, the community of followers.

Festival Practices

Traditional practices during Buddhist festivals include: meditation, chanting sutras, making offerings to the Buddha, and performing good deeds.
Buddha images and shrines are often decorated, and processions, fair, lantern-lighting ceremonies are common.
Some Buddhists observe ‘uposatha’ or days of increased religious activity and observance of the precepts.

Purpose of Festivals

Festivals serve as a reminder of the key teachings of Buddhism, and aid in reinforcing commitment to the Three Jewels: Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha.
They provide opportunities for Buddhists to gather as a community, and promote unity.
They create an atmosphere of joy and peace, and encourage a positive way of living in accordance with the Buddha’s teachings.

Festivals in Different Traditions

How festivals are observed can vary based on different Buddhist traditions. For example, in Theravada Buddhism, it’s common to visit temples for meditation and sermons, while Mahayana Buddhists might focus more on rituals and ceremonies at home.
Cultural influences can also affect how festivals are celebrated in different regions around the world.

Again, remember that the observation and interpretation of festivals can differ considerably between different Buddhist groups and cultures.