Visakha Bucha Day is the holiest day in the Thai Buddhist calendar. It commemorates three major events in the life of the Lord Buddha, all of which are believed to have occurred on the same full moon day of the sixth lunar month: His birth, His enlightenment (Bodhi), and His passing into nirvana (Parinirvana).

When is Visakha Bucha?

Visakha Bucha is observed on the full moon day of the sixth lunar month, usually in May.

The following is the list of Visakha Bucha from 2020 to 2029.

The History of Visakha Bucha?

The term "Visakha" refers to the Vesakha lunar month in the ancient Indian calendar, which corresponds to April – May.

The observance dates back over 2,500 years, originating soon after the Buddha's death (circa 5th century BCE), when followers began commemorating key events in his life during monthly full moon assemblies.

India is the birthplace of Buddhism, where early monks marked Buddha's enlightenment and death with meditative observances and recitations.

As Buddhism spread to Southeast Asia, especially in the Theravāda tradition, the holiday became formalized and integrated into monarchic and temple rituals

Visakha Bucha has been celebrated in Thailand since the Sukhothai and Ayutthaya periods, but it gained prominence during the Rattanakosin era.

In 1957, the Thai government officially declared Visakha Bucha a national holiday, following a recommendation from the World Fellowship of Buddhists.

In 1999, the United Nations officially recognized Visakha (Vesak) Day as an International Day of Observance, acknowledging its spiritual significance to millions of Buddhists worldwide.