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'{{Hatnote|This article deals with the East Asian holiday. See also [[Vesak]]}} {{Multiple issues| {{cleanup|reason=Article should be split into an overview article (mentioning both [[Vesak]] and the East Asian holiday) and a separate article concerning the East Asian holiday.|date=April 2015}} {{Refimprove|date=April 2011}} }} {{EngvarB|date=November 2015}} {{Use dmy dates|date=November 2015}} {{Infobox holiday |holiday_name = Buddha's Birthday |type = buddhist |image = Baby Siddarhtha.JPG |imagesize = 250px |caption = A statue of the child Gautama Buddha as depicted in his apocryphal story of birth |official_name = Fódàn (佛誕)<br/>Phật Đản<br/>Chopa-il (초파일, 初八日)[[:ko:%EB%B6%80%EC%B2%98%EB%8B%98 %EC%98%A4%EC%8B%A0 %EB%82%A0|부처님 오신 날]]<br/>বুদ্ধ পূর্ণিমা <br/>बुद्ध जयन्ती <br/>Vesākha |nickname = Buddha's Birthday <br/> Buddha Purnima <br/> Buddha Jayanti |observedby = [[Buddhism|Buddhists]] in [[East Asia]] and Buddhists and some [[Hindu]]s in [[South Asia|South]] and [[Southeast Asia]] (as ''[[Vesak]]'') |litcolor = |longtype = Buddhist, cultural |significance = Celebrates the birthday of Gautama Buddha |date = varies by region: *April 8 or May 8 (Japan) *Second Sunday in May (Taiwan) *8th day of 4th lunar month (mainland China and East Asia) *first full moon of [[Vaisakha]] (South Asia and Southeast Asia) |date{{LASTYEAR}} = {{Moveable date |holiday=Buddha's Birthday |year={{LASTYEAR}} |format=infobox }} (China and East Asia) |date{{CURRENTYEAR}} = {{Moveable date |holiday=Buddha's Birthday |year={{CURRENTYEAR}} |format=infobox |cite=}} (China and East Asia) |date{{NEXTYEAR}} = {{Moveable date |holiday=Buddha's Birthday |year={{NEXTYEAR}} |format=infobox }} (China and East Asia) |celebrations = |duration = 1 day |frequency = annual |observances = |relatedto = [[Vesak]] }} {{Infobox Chinese | t = {{linktext|佛|誕}} | s = {{linktext|佛|诞}} | p = {{linktext|fó| dàn}} | j = fat1 daan3 | poj = Hu̍t-á-seⁿ or Hu̍t-á-siⁿ | qn = Phật Đản | hangul = 부처님 오신 날 | rr = Buchonim osin nal | kanji = 灌仏会 | revhep = Kanbutsu-e }} '''Buddha's birthday''' is a Buddhist festival and [[holiday]] traditionally celebrated in most of [[East Asia]] to commemorate the birth of the [[Gautama Buddha|Prince Siddhartha Gautama]], later the Gautama Buddha and founder of [[Buddhism]]. It is also celebrated in [[South Asia|South]] and [[Southeast Asia]] as ''[[Vesak]]'' which also acknowledges the enlightenment and death of the Buddha. According to the Theravada [[Tripitaka]] [[Buddhist texts|scriptures]]{{Which|date=November 2010}} (from Pali, meaning "three baskets"), Gautama was born c. 563/480 BCE in [[Lumbini]] in modern-day [[Nepal]], and raised in the Shakya capital of [[Kapilavastu (ancient city)|Kapilavastu]], in the present-day [[Piprahwa]], [[India]] or [[Tilaurakot]], Nepal.<ref>UNESCO, [http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/666 Lumbini in Nepal is the birthplace of the Lord Buddha], Gethin ''Foundations'', p. 19, which states that in the mid-3rd century BCE the Emperor [[Ashoka]] determined that Lumbini was Gautama's birthplace and thus installed a pillar there with the inscription: "... this is where the Buddha, sage of the Śākyas (''Śākyamuni''), was born."</ref><ref>For instance, Gethin ''Foundations'', p. 14, states: "The earliest Buddhist sources state that the future Buddha was born Siddhārtha Gautama (Pali Siddhattha Gotama), the son of a local chieftain—a ''rājan''—in Kapilavastu (Pali Kapilavatthu) what is now the Indian–Nepalese border." However, Professor Gombrich (''Theravāda Buddhism'', p. 1) and the old but specialized study by Edward Thomas, ''The Life of the Buddha'', ascribe the name Siattha/fitta to later sources.</ref> At the age of thirty five, he attained enlightenment ([[nirvana]]) underneath a Bodhi tree at [[Bodhgaya]] (modern-day [[India]]). He delivered his first sermon at [[Sarnath]], India. At the age of eighty, he died at [[Kushinagar]], India.<ref name="diamondway-buddhism.org">https://www.diamondway-buddhism.org/buddhism/buddha/</ref> The exact date of Buddha's birthday is based on the Asian [[lunisolar calendar]]s. The date for the celebration of Buddha's birthday varies from year to year in the Western Gregorian calendar, but usually falls in April or May. In leap years it may be celebrated in June. == Date == <!-- Deleted image removed: [[File:Buddha discourse under tree.jpg|thumb|225px|left| Enlightened Buddha with disciples - Traditional Image]] --> The exact date of Buddha's Birthday is based on the Asian lunisolar calendars and is primarily celebrated in [[Baisakh]] month of the [[Buddhist calendar]] and the [[Bikram Sambat]] Hindu calendar, and hence it is also called [[Vesak]]. In modern-day India and Nepal, where the Historical [[Buddha]] lived, it is celebrated on the full moon day of the [[Vaisakha]] month of the Buddhist calendar. In Theravada countries following the Buddhist calendar, it falls on a full moon Uposatha day, typically in the 5th or 6th lunar month. In China and Korea, it is celebrated on the eighth day of the fourth month in the Chinese lunar calendar. The date varies from year to year in the Western Gregorian calendar, but usually falls in April or May. In leap years it may be celebrated in June. In Tibet, it falls on the 7th day of the fourth month of the Tibetan calendar (2019 June 9, in other years in May). === South and Southeast Asia and Mongolia === In [[South Asia]]n and [[Southeast Asia]]n countries as well as [[Mongolia]], Buddha's birthday is celebrated on the full moon day of the [[Vaisakha]] month of the Buddhist calendar and the [[Hindu calendar]], which usually falls in April or May month of the Western Gregorian calendar. The festival is known as Buddha Purnima, as Purnima means full moon day in Sanskrit. It is also called Buddha Jayanti, with Jayanti meaning birthday in [[Sanskrit Language]]. [[File:Buddha's statue near Belum Caves Andhra Pradesh India.jpg|thumb|Buddha's statue located near Belum Caves, Andhra Pradesh, India]] The corresponding Western [[Gregorian calendar]] dates varies from year to year: * 2017: May 10 * 2018: April 29 (Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Bangladesh), April 30 (Nepal and India), May 29 (Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia)<ref>https://www.officeholidays.com/religious/buddhist/buddhas_birthday.php</ref> * 2019: May 19 2020: May 8 === East Asia === In many [[East Asia]]n countries Buddha's Birth is celebrated on the 8th day of the 4th month in the [[Chinese calendar|Chinese lunar calendar]] (in Japan since 1873 on April 8 of the Gregorian calendar), and the day is an official holiday in [[Hong Kong]], [[Macau]] and [[South Korea]]. The date falls from the end of April to the end of May in the Gregorian calendar. The primarily solar Gregorian calendar date varies from year to year: * 2017: May 3 * 2018: May 22 * 2019: May 12 * 2020: April 30 ====Taiwan==== In 1999 the Taiwanese government set Buddha's birthday as the second Sunday of May, the same date as [[Mother's Day]].<ref>{{citation |title= Thousands of believers mark Buddha's birthday |author= Camaron Kao |date= May 14, 2012 |work= [[China Post]] |url= http://www.chinapost.com.tw/taiwan/national/national-news/2012/05/14/341025/Thousands-of.htm |url-status= dead |archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20130616030705/http://www.chinapost.com.tw/taiwan/national/national-news/2012/05/14/341025/Thousands-of.htm |archivedate= 16 June 2013 |df= dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{citation |title= Sakyamuni Buddha birthday celebrated |author= Ko Shu-Ling |date= May 9, 2011 |work= Taipei Times |url= http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2011/05/09/2003502765 |quote= The legislature approved a proposal in 1999 to designate the birthday of Sakyamuni Buddha — which falls on the eighth day of the fourth month of the lunar calendar — a national holiday and to celebrate the special occasion concurrently with International Mother’s Day, which is celebrated on the second Sunday of May. }}</ref> ====Japan==== As a result of the [[Meiji Restoration]], Japan adopted the Gregorian calendar in lieu of the Chinese lunar calendar in 1873. However, it took approximately until 1945, the end of [[World War II]], for religious festivities to adopt the new calendar. In most Japanese temples, Buddha's birth is now celebrated on the Gregorian calendar date April 8; only a few (mainly in Okinawa) celebrate it on the orthodox Chinese calendar date of the eighth day of the fourth lunar month. == Celebrations in each country == {{Hatnote|This section focuses on Buddha's Birthday/Vesak celebrations across [[Asia]] and beyond as opposed to East Asia only.}} ===Asia=== [[File:Coloured lanterns at the Lotus Lantern Festival.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Lotus Lantern Festival celebrating Buddha's Birthday, in South Korea]] [[File:Vesak Festive Adornments, Jaffna.jpg|thumb|Floating lanterns on a lake for Buddha's Birthday in Jaffna, Sri Lanka]] ====Bangladesh==== In Bangladesh, the event is called বুদ্ধ পূর্ণিমা or Buddho Purnima. On the day of proceeding Purnima Buddhist monks and priests decorate temple in colourful decorations and candles. On the day of the festival the President and Prime Minister deliver speeches about the history and importance of Buddhism and religious harmony in the country. From noon onwards large fairs are held in and around temples and [[viharas]] selling bangles food (largely vegetarian), clothes, toys and conducting performances of Buddha's life. Buddhist monks teaches about the Dharma and the [[Five precepts]] (panchashila). Later on Buddhists attend a congression inside the monastery where the chief monk would deliver a speech discussing the Buddha and the [[Triratna|Three jewels]] (tri-ratna) and about living the ideal life after which a prayer to the Buddha would be conducted and people would then light candles and recite the three jewels and 5 precepts.<ref name="KK">"বুদ্ধ পূর্ণিমা", সিলেবাসে নেই, দৈনিক কালের কণ্ঠ; ১১ মে ২০১১ খ্রিস্টাব্দ। পৃ. ৪। পরিদর্শনের তারিখ: ১৭ মে ২০১১ খ্রিস্টাব্দ।</ref><ref>http://m.ntvbd.com/religion-and-life/129443/আজ-শুভ-বুদ্ধ-পূর্ণিমা</ref> ====Cambodia==== In Cambodia, Buddha's Birthday is celebrated as ''Visak Bochea'' and is a [[Public holidays in Cambodia|public holiday]] where monks around the country carry flags, lotus flowers, incense and candles to acknowledge Vesak. People also take part in alms giving to the monks.<ref name="Vesak in Southeast Asia">{{cite web |url=http://thaholiday.com/the-buddhist-celebration-vesak-day-2016/ |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2016-03-11 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160311195453/http://thaholiday.com/the-buddhist-celebration-vesak-day-2016/ |archivedate=11 March 2016 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> ====China==== In China, celebrations may occur in Buddhist temples where people may light [[incense]] and bring food offerings for the monks.<ref>http://buddhism.about.com/od/buddhistholidays/ig/Images-of-Vesak/Buddhas-BDay-China.htm#step-heading</ref> In [[Hong Kong]], Buddha's birthday is a [[Public holidays in Hong Kong|public holiday]]. Lanterns are lit to symbolise the Buddha's enlightenment and many people visit the temple to pay their respects. The bathing of the Buddha is a major feature of Buddha's birthday celebrations in the city.<ref>http://www.hong-kong-traveller.com/buddha-birthday.html#.VuJye_l94dU</ref> The festival is also a public holiday in [[Macau]].<ref>https://publicholidays.asia/macau/buddhas-birthday/</ref> ====India==== India is the land where the Buddha attained enlightenment ([[nirvana]]) at Bodhgaya and established Buddhism. Buddha spent majority of his life in what is now modern-day India. Some of the holiest sites associated with Buddha's life include Bodhgaya (place of enlightenment), [[Sarnath]] (site of first sermon), [[Sravasti]] and [[Rajgir]] (site where Buddha spent the greater part of his monastic life and delivered the majority of his discourses), and [[Kushinagar]] (site where Buddha attained Parinirvana and passed away)<ref>https://ebooks.adelaide.edu.au/f/fa-hien/f15l/chapter20.html</ref><ref>http://www.aboutbuddha.org/english/life-of-buddha-4.htm/</ref> Under Emperor [[Ashoka]], Buddhism spread from India to other nations.<ref name="diamondway-buddhism.org"/> ''Buddha Purnima'' or ''Buddha Jayanthi'' in South India or ''[[Tathagata]]'' is a public holiday in India. The public holiday for Buddha purnima in India was initiated by [[B. R. Ambedkar]] when he was the minister of law and justice<ref>http://www.officeholidays.com/countries/india/</ref> It is celebrated especially in [[Sikkim]], [[Ladakh]], [[Arunachal Pradesh]], [[Bodh Gaya]], various parts of North Bengal such as [[Kalimpong]], [[Darjeeling]], and [[Kurseong]], and [[Maharashtra]] (where 77% of total Indian [[Buddhist]]s live) and other parts of India as per Indian calendar. Buddhists go to common [[Viharas]] to observe a rather longer-than-usual, full-length Buddhist sutra, akin to a service. The dress code is pure white. [[semi-vegetarianism|Non-vegetarian]] food is normally avoided. [[Kheer]], sweet rice porridge is commonly served to recall the story of Sujata, a maiden who, in Gautama Buddha's life, offered the Buddha a bowl of milk [[porridge]]. Informally called "Buddha's Birthday", it actually commemorates the birth, enlightenment (nirvāna), and death (Parinirvāna) of Gautama Buddha in the Theravada tradition. Tibetans in exile remember Buddha's birthday on the 7th day of the Saga Dawa month (fourth month of the Tibetan calendar), which culminates with Buddha's ''parinirvana'' celebrations on the full moon day. It is said that the Buddha originally followed the way of [[asceticism]] to attain enlightenment sooner, as was thought by many at that time. He sat for a prolonged time with inadequate food and water, which caused his body to shrivel so as to be indistinguishable from the bark of the tree that he was sitting under. Seeing the weak Siddhartha Gautama, a woman named Sujata placed a bowl of "Kheer" in front of him as an offering.<ref>{{Cite book | url=https://books.google.com/?id=Us9wbjmvXfgC&pg=PT32&dq=sujata++bakraur#v=onepage&q=sujata%20%20bakraur&f=false | title=Knowing Buddha Life and Teachings| isbn=9788122309638| last1=Prasoon| first1=Shrikant| year=2007}}</ref> Realizing that without food one can do nothing, the Buddha refrained from harming his own body. Thereafter, he would go on to attain nirvana. ====Indonesia==== In Indonesia, Buddha's Birthday is celebrated as ''[[Vesak#Waisak In Indonesia|Waisak]]'' and is a [[Public holidays in Indonesia|public holiday]]. A large procession beginning in [[Mendut]] in [[Java]] ends at [[Borobudur]] – the largest Buddhist temple in the world.<ref>https://www.justlanded.com/english/Indonesia/Indonesia-Guide/Culture/Vesak-festival-in-Indonesia</ref><ref>http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/indonesia-vesak-day-buddhas-birthday-borobudur-worlds-biggest-buddhist-temple-photos-1504198</ref> ====Japan==== [[Image:A birthday of Buddha,hanamatsuri,kanpukuji-temple,katori-city,japan.JPG|thumb|right|150px|Hanamatsuri in Japan]] [[Image:Shaka at birth basin.JPG|thumb|right|150px|[[Shaka at Birth (Tōdai-ji)|Shaka at Birth at Tōdaiji]] ([[National Treasures of Japan|National Treasure]])]] In Japan, Buddha's Birthday is known as ''Kanbutsu-e'' ({{lang-ja|灌仏会}}) or ''Hana[[matsuri]]'' (Flower Festival) ({{lang-ja|花祭り}}) and is held on April 8. Buddha's birth is also celebrated according to the Buddhist calendar but is not a national holiday. On this day, all temples hold 降誕会 (''Gōtan-e''), 仏生会 (''Busshō-e''), 浴仏会 (''Yokubutsu-e''), 龍華会 (''Ryūge-e'') and 花会式 (''Hana-eshiki''). Japanese people pour ''[[ama-cha]]'' (a beverage prepared from [[hydrangea serrata]], a variety of [[hydrangea]]) on small Buddha statues decorated with flowers, as if bathing a newborn baby. The tradition of bathing the Buddha originated in China and was introduced to Japan where it was first held in [[Nara, Nara|Nara]] in 606.<ref>https://www.meetup.com/pl-PL/buddhism-613/events/59639372/?_cookie-check=q6MkUIbiHx5eZP04</ref> [[Lion dance|Lion dancing]] is also a major tradition practiced during Buddha's Birthday and has become associated with the festival in Japan.<ref>{{Cite book | url=https://books.google.com.au/books?id=PcvA373XEJwC&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false | title=Asian Material Culture| isbn=9789089640901| last1=Hulsbosch| first1=Marianne| last2=Bedford| first2=Elizabeth| last3=Chaiklin| first3=Martha| year=2009}}</ref> ====Malaysia==== In Malaysia, Buddha's Birthday is celebrated as ''Wesak Day'' and is a [[Public holidays in Malaysia|public holiday]] celebrated by the [[Buddhism in Malaysia|sizeable minority Buddhist population]] in the country. Temples across the country are decorated and caged animals are set free. People engage in prayers, chanting and giving across the country.<ref name="Vesak in Southeast Asia"/> ====Mongolia==== In Mongolia, Buddha's Birthday is celebrated as ''Ikh Duichen'' and its date is determined by the [[Mongolian calendar|Mongolian lunar calendar]].<ref>https://www.eternal-landscapes.co.uk/buddhas-birthday-celebrations-ulaanbaatar/</ref> As a result, the date falls in line with celebrations of Buddha's Birthday/Vesak in South and Southeast Asian countries as opposed to neighbouring East Asian countries. While not a public holiday the festival is popularly celebrated by many Mongolian Buddhists.<ref>http://www.buddhistchannel.tv/index.php?id=25,1239,0,0,1,0</ref> ====Myanmar==== In Myanmar, Buddha's Birthday is celebrated as ''Full Moon of Kason'' and is a [[Public holidays in Myanmar|public holiday]]. It is celebrated by watering the [[Bodhi tree]] and chanting. In large pagodas, music and dance is also performed as part of the celebrations.<ref name="Vesak in Southeast Asia"/> ====Nepal==== [[File:Bahidyah swanya punhi.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Buddha statues at Swayambhu in Nepal]] In Nepal, the birthplace of Buddha, his birthday is celebrated on the full moon day of May. The festival is known by various names, Buddha Jayanti, Buddha Purnima, Vaishakh Purnima, Saga Dawa, and Vesak. [[Purnima (day)|Purnima]] means full moon day in [[Sanskrit]]. Among the [[Newar]]s of Nepal, especially from the Shakya clan of Newars, it is of great importance because they consider it as a continuation of the sage of the Śākyas- the clan that Lord Buddha's family belonged to. Thus, they celebrate the festival which is in their language known as Swānyā Punhi (स्वांया पुन्हि), the full moon day of flowers.<ref>{{cite news |last=Dunipace |first=Sujal Jane |title=Nepal's Buddha Jayanti Celebration |url=http://www.ecs.com.np/feature_detail.php?f_id=317 |accessdate=May 9, 2013 |newspaper=ECS Nepal |date=May 2003 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20111218155206/http://www.ecs.com.np/feature_detail.php?f_id=317 |archivedate=18 December 2011 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> The day marks not just the birth of Shakyamuni Gautam Buddha but also the day of his [[Bodhi|Enlightenment]] and [[Mahaparinirvana]]. The event is celebrated by gentle and serene fervour, keeping in mind the very nature of Buddhism. People, especially women, go to common [[Viharas]] to observe a rather longer-than-usual, full-length Buddhist [[sutra]], as something like a service. The usual dress is pure white. Non-vegetarian food is normally avoided. [[Kheer]], sweet rice porridge is commonly served to recall the story of Sujata. Buddha Purnima is biggest day for Buddhist because on this day there happens to be the main three events of Buddha's life; birth, attained enlightenment and attained Paranirvana ,and is termed as '''Thrice Blessed Festival.'''<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.buddha-statues.info/blog/buddha-purnima-the-most-important-and-sacred-day-for-the-followers-of-buddhism/|title=Buddha Purnima}}</ref> ==== North Korea ==== Buddha's Birthday is occasionally designated as a public holiday in [[North Korea]] and is known as ''Chopail'' ({{lang-ko|초파일}}).<ref name="Source23">{{Cite book |title=Understanding North Korea: Totalitarian dictatorship, Highly centralized economies, Grand Socialist Family |publisher=길잡이미디어 |year=2015 |pages=385}}</ref> Designation of [[List of Korean traditional festivals|traditional Korean holidays]] as public holidays in North Korea are determined by the [[Cabinet of North Korea|Cabinet]] a few days before the traditional holiday begins.<ref name="Source23"/> Buddha's Birthday is a traditional festival in Korean culture and was celebrated in Korea long before the [[Division of Korea|division of the country]] as a result the festival is also celebrated in North Korea by the country's Buddhist population.<ref>{{Cite book |title=Encyclopedia of Korean Seasonal Customs: Encyclopedia of Korean Folklore and Traditional Culture Vol. 1 |publisher=길잡이미디어 |year=2014 |isbn=978-8992128926 |pages=147}}</ref> ====Singapore==== In Singapore, Buddha's birthday is celebrated as ''Vesak'' or ''Vesak Day'' and is a [[Public holidays in Singapore|public holiday]] in the country. Buddhist temples hold celebrations and are decorated with [[Buddhist flag]]s and flowers. Devotees also bring offerings to the temples.<ref>http://publicholidays.sg/vesak-day/</ref> ====South Korea==== [[File:Buddha Parade in Daegu.jpg|thumb|150px|Buddha lantern parade in Daegu, Korea]] In South Korea, the birthday of Buddha is celebrated according to the [[Korean calendar|Korean lunar calendar]] and is a public holiday. This day is called {{lang|ko|석가탄신일}} (Seokga tansinil), meaning "Buddha's birthday" or {{lang|ko|부처님 오신 날}} (Bucheonim osin nal) meaning "the day when the Buddha came". Lotus lanterns hang in temples throughout the month and lanterns are hung in homes and in the streets.<ref name="SKorea">{{Cite book |title=Encyclopedia of Korean Seasonal Customs: Encyclopedia of Korean Folklore and Traditional Culture Vol. 1 |publisher=길잡이미디어 |year=2014 |isbn=978-8992128926 |pages=150}}</ref> On the day of Buddha's birth, many temples provide free meals and tea to all visitors. The breakfast and lunch provided are often sanchae [[bibimbap]]. Buddha's Birthday is a popular holiday and folk celebration in Korea and is often celebrated by people of all religious beliefs.<ref name="SKorea"/> ====Sri Lanka==== [[File:Piliyandala Vesak Pandol, May 2015.jpg|thumbnail|Vesak Thorana in Piliyandala, Sri Lanka]] In Sri Lanka, Buddha's Birthday is celebrated as ''[[Vesak#Vesak in Sri Lanka|Vesak]]'' and is a [[Culture of Sri Lanka#List of holidays|public holiday]] celebrated on the first full moon day of the month of May. Its date is determined by the [[Buddhist calendar|Buddhist lunar calendar]]. People engage in religious observances and decorate houses and streets with candles and paper lanterns as well as bamboo-framed lanterns. ''Dansalas'' is practised and refers to the free offering of food and drink to people. ''Bakthi Gee'' – devotional songs are sung and ''[[Torana#Meaning and uses of torana|pandols]]'' which are decorative gateways are erected throughout the country. Temples around the country also hold celebrations and devotees bring offerings and burn incense.<ref>https://www.lanka.com/events/vesak-festival/</ref> Electric light displays that depict stories from the Buddha's life are also a notable part of Vesak celebrations in the country.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://sputniknews.com/voiceofrussia/news/2014_05_14/Buddhas-birthday-Buddhists-worldwide-celebrate-peace-and-harmony-on-Vesak-day-6360/ |title=Archived copy |access-date=11 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160311182806/http://sputniknews.com/voiceofrussia/news/2014_05_14/Buddhas-birthday-Buddhists-worldwide-celebrate-peace-and-harmony-on-Vesak-day-6360/ |archive-date=11 March 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref> ====Taiwan==== In Taiwan, Buddha's birthday is a national anniversary. Devotees pour fragrant water over Buddha statues to symbolise the beginning of a fresh start in life.<ref>https://huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/05/vesak-how-buddhas-birthda_n_1478896.html</ref> ====Thailand==== In Thailand, Buddha's birthday is celebrated as ''Visakha Puja'' and is a [[Public holidays in Thailand|public holiday]]. People gather at temples to hear sermons, give donations and chant prayers.<ref>http://buddhism.about.com/od/buddhistholidays/ig/Images-of-Vesak/Visak-Puja-Thailand.htm</ref> ====Vietnam==== Buddha's birthday is celebrated throughout Vietnam. Many Buddhist temples hold celebrations that attract people from around the country and pagodas around the country are decorated.<ref>http://goseasia.about.com/od/eventsfes6/tp/vn_festivals.01.htm</ref> From 1958 to 1975, ''[[Vesak#In Vietnam|Lễ Phật Đản]]'', the birthday of Buddha (on the 8th day of the 4th month in the Chinese lunar calendar) was recognized as a national public holiday in [[South Vietnam]],<ref>[http://quangduc.com/lichsu/13nienbieupgvn3.html Niên biểu lịch sử Phật giáo Việt Nam] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121115000946/http://quangduc.com/lichsu/13nienbieupgvn3.html |date=15 November 2012 }}</ref> enjoyed with float and lantern parade on the streets. ===Festivities outside Asia=== ====Australia==== In [[Sydney]], Buddha's birthday is celebrated at the Nan Tien Temple in Wollongong Australia and another celebration also organised by Nan Tien Temple is held at [[Darling Harbour]] which features Buddha's birthday ceremony, a variety of vegetarian food and culture stalls and multicultural performances from China, Japan, Vietnam, Korea, India, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Australia and other cultures.<ref>http://www.nantien.org.au/en/events/buddhas-birthday-festival</ref><ref>http://blog.apc.edu.au/2013/05/buddhas-birthday-celebration.html</ref> Other temples in the Fo Guang Shan Nan Tien Temple group in Australia on the eighth day of the fourth month of the China lunar calendar also hold celebrations.<ref name=bbep>{{cite web|title=Buddha's Birthday Education Project|url=http://www.paradeofthebuddhas.org/|publisher=International Buddhist Progress Society|accessdate=12 January 2014}}</ref> In [[Brisbane]], ''Buddha Birth Day Festival'' is held annually and features a variety of pan-Asian food and performances from multicultural acts.<ref>http://www.buddhabirthdayfestival.com.au/</ref> It is a weekend-long festival which draws over 200 000 visitors.<ref name=bbdf>{{cite web|title=Buddha Birthday Festival|url=http://2014.buddhabirthdayfestival.com.au/festival|publisher=Buddha's Light International Association, Chung Tian Temple|accessdate=26 January 2014|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://archive.is/20140126151802/http://2014.buddhabirthdayfestival.com.au/festival|archivedate=26 January 2014|df=dmy-all}}</ref> In [[Melbourne]], the weekend-long festival called ''Buddha's Day and Multicultural Festival'' is held at Federation Square around April/May.<ref>{{cite web|title=Buddha's Birthday and Multicultural Festival|url=http://www.buddhaday.org.au|publisher=Buddha's Light International Association Victoria|accessdate=31 March 2014}}</ref> In [[Perth]], a two-day celebration also known as ''Buddha's Day and Multicultural Festival'' is held at [[Langley Park (Western Australia)|Langley Park]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.visitperthcity.com/events/buddhas-birthday-multicultural-festival |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2016-03-06 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160314000338/http://visitperthcity.com/events/buddhas-birthday-multicultural-festival |archivedate=14 March 2016 |df=dmy }}</ref> Local Buddhist temples and smaller towns around the country such as [[Bendigo]], [[Victoria (Australia)|Victoria]] also hold celebrations.<ref>http://www.bendigotourism.com/whats-on/whats-on-this-month/event/3258-vesak-festival-of-light</ref> On the Australian [[states and territories of Australia|external territory]] of [[Christmas Island]], Buddha's Birthday is celebrated as "Vesak Day" and is celebrated alongside many other celebrations common in Australia and Malaysia as well as local celebrations of the island.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.christmas.net.au/visitor-guide/files/inc/Christmas-Island-Visitors-Guide.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=11 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305073342/https://www.christmas.net.au/visitor-guide/files/inc/Christmas-Island-Visitors-Guide.pdf |archive-date=5 March 2016 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.christmas.net.au/about/culture.html |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2015-10-21 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151015211953/https://www.christmas.net.au/about/culture.html |archivedate=15 October 2015 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> ====Brazil==== Vesak (Hanamatsuri) is widely known and celebrated in Brazil due to the country's large [[Japanese Brazilians|Japanese community]]. Hanamatsuri has grown in popularity and also attracts interest from the wider non-Japanese Brazilian population. As a result, Hanamatsuri has become a [[consumerism|consumerist culture phenomenon]] in the country and is sometimes locally known as ''Festa das Flores''.<ref>{{Cite book | url=https://books.google.com.au/books?id=pCqTDAAAQBAJ&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false | title=The Global Repositioning of Japanese Religions: An integrated approach| isbn=9781317030126| last1=Dessi| first1=Ugo| date=2016-07-01}}</ref><ref name="Source">{{cite web |url=http://www.discovernikkei.org/en/journal/2007/10/11/brazil-nihonjinmachi/ |title=Chapter 8: The Formation and Development of Bairro Oriental (3) - The Emergence of a New "Tradition" |last1=Negawa |first1= Sachio |date=11 October 2007 |publisher=Discover Nikkei |access-date=17 February 2018 |quote=}}</ref> Hanamatsuri is celebrated in the [[São Paulo]] neighbourhood of [[Liberdade (district of São Paulo)|Liberdade]] which is home to the largest Japanese community outside of Japan.<ref name="Source2">{{cite web |url=http://www.culturajaponesa.com.br/index.php/festivais/hanamatsuri/ |title=Hanamatsuri|publisher=CulturaJaponesa.com.br |access-date=17 February 2018 |quote=}}</ref> Hanamatsuri celebrations in Liberdade began in 1966 and includes a parade on Galvão Bueno street and celebrations at the suburb's major shopping centre, Liberdade Plaza, among other things.<ref name="Source"/><ref name="Source2"/> ====Canada==== In [[Toronto]], three Buddhist temples representing the three main branches of Buddhism organize an annual event known as ''Vesak: Buddha's Birthday''.<ref>http://www.vesakcelebration.com/</ref> It is held at [[Mississauga]] Celebration Square and features a number of Buddhist themed events and activities as well as cultural acts from Asia, including China, Sri Lanka and Vietnam.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.sumeru-books.com/tag/mississauga/ |title=Archived copy |access-date=8 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160308150620/http://www.sumeru-books.com/tag/mississauga/ |archive-date=8 March 2016 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref>http://www.mississauga.com/news-story/4518929-buddhists-to-mark-buddha-s-birthday-at-celebration-square/</ref><ref>https://culture.mississauga.ca/event/celebration-square/vesak-buddha%E2%80%99s-birthday-celebration</ref> ====United States of America==== Celebration of Buddha's Birthday in the United States differs from community to community, depending on ethnicity and nationality. The Japanese celebration on 8 April has been significant in the [[Bay Area]] for some decades. In 1968 the first [[circumambulation]] of Mt. Tamalpais to celebrate Buddha's Birthday was conducted. Starting in 1969 at Tassajara Zen Mountain Center, ''Hana-Matsuri'' was celebrated each spring. Dressed in formal black robes, the roughly 70 monks and students formed a formal procession to the Horse Pasture with the leader periodically ringing a small, clear bell. A temporary stone altar was built under a huge oak tree in a gorgeous field of green grass and abundant wildflowers; a small statue of a baby Buddha was placed upon it in a metal basin. Then each person would, in turn, approach the altar, ladle one thin-lipped bamboo dipperful of sweet green tea over the statue, bow, and walk to one side.<ref>http://www.japanese-city.com/calendar/events/index.php?eID=32066</ref> In [[New York City|New York]], the ''International Lotus Lantern Parade'' has been a notable and successful annual event held at [[Union Square Park]]. The event celebrates the Buddha's birthday and ''Yeon Deung Hoe'' (연등회), a Korean lantern celebration that is held during Vesak. The festival features a number of Buddhist themed events and is started off by numerous Buddhist centres of Japanese, Korean and Sri Lankan origins for example.<ref>http://interfaithcenter.org/archives/5318</ref> == See also == {{refbegin|3}} *[[List of Buddhist festivals]] *[[List of festivals in Asia]] * [[Public holidays in Nepal]] * [[Public holidays in India]] * [[Public holidays in Hong Kong]] * [[Bun Festival]] - a festival held on the same day in Hong Kong. * [[Public holidays in Macau]] * [[Public holidays in North Korea]] * [[Public holidays in South Korea]] * [[Holidays in Taiwan]] * [[Holidays of Japan]] * [[Public holidays in Bangladesh]] * [[Hanami]] * [[Public holidays in Myanmar]] * [[Holidays in Vietnam]] * [[Public holidays in Thailand]] * [[Public holidays in Sri Lanka]] * [[Public holidays in Bhutan]] * [[Public holidays in Singapore]] * [[Public holidays in Indonesia]] * [[Vesak]] {{refend}} == References == {{Reflist|40em}} == Further reading == * The Folkloric Study of Chopail (Buddha's Birthday), written by Prof. M.Y.Pyeon. Produced by Minsokwon in Seoul Korea 2002. == External links == {{commons category|Buddha's Birthday}} * [https://www.ashesh.com.np/buddha-jayanti-birthday/ Buddha Jayanti] About Buddha Jayanti * [http://www.himalisherpa.com/buddha-jayanti.php Buddha's Birthday बुद्ध जयन्ती] Buddha's Birthday बुद्ध जयन्ती {{Gautama Buddha}} {{Buddhism topics}} {{Festivals in South Korea}} {{Hong Kong Holidays}} {{Nepal Holidays}} [[Category:Buddhist holidays]] [[Category:Buddhist festivals]] [[Category:Public holidays in Hong Kong]] [[Category:Public holidays in Nepal]] [[Category:Public holidays in South Korea]] [[Category:April observances]] [[Category:May observances]] [[Category:Birthdays]] [[Category:Religious festivals in Nepal]] [[Category:Festivals in Korea]] [[Category:Religious festivals in South Korea]] [[Category:Observances set by the Chinese calendar]] [[Category:Observances on non-Gregorian calendars]]<!--Please don't remove this category even though its redundant, this holiday needs to be sorted into all calendar categories--> [[Category:Religious festivals in Asia]] [[Category:Observances set by the Burmese calendar]] [[Category:Buddhism in Korea]] [[Category:Han Buddhist holidays]]'