Wesak Day, also known as Vesak or Buddha Day, is a significant celebration for Buddhists worldwide. It commemorates the birth, enlightenment and passing of Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. In Malaysia, Wesak Day is a public holiday and is observed with reverence and vibrant ceremonies.

Table of Contents

1. When is Wesak Day?
2. The History of Wesak Day?
3. What Do People Do on This Day?
4. More about Gautama Buddha?

When is Wesak Day?

Wesak Day is celebrated on the full moon day of the lunar month of Vesakha, which usually falls in May. The exact date varies each year depending on the lunar calendar.

The following is the list of Wesak Day from 2020 to 2049.

The History of Wesak Day

Wesak Day is one of the most important Buddhist festivals. Its origins are deeply rooted in Buddhist traditions and have been celebrated for centuries in various countries.

Wesak Day marks three significant events in the life of Gautama Buddha, all believed to have occurred on the same day in different years:

– Birth: Siddhartha Gautama was born as a prince in Lumbini (now Nepal) around 623 BCE.
– Enlightenment: At the age of 35, he attained enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree in Bodh Gaya, India, realizing the path to liberation from suffering.
– Parinirvana: At the age of 80, Buddha passed away in Kushinagar, India, achieving liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth.

The first formal recognition of Wesak Day as an international Buddhist celebration occurred at the World Fellowship of Buddhists Conference in 1950, held in Sri Lanka. The conference agreed to observe Wesak as the most sacred day for Buddhists worldwide, celebrated on the full moon of the lunar month of Vesakha (April/May).

Buddhism arrived in Southeast Asia around the 3rd century BCE, brought by traders and missionaries. Over time, Wesak Day became a key celebration for Malaysia's Buddhist community, reflecting the country's multicultural and religiously diverse society.

Malaysia officially declared Wesak Day a national public holiday in 1962, acknowledging the significance of Buddhism in the country and its contributions to Malaysian culture and harmony.

What Do People Do on This Day?

Wesak Day is filled with rituals, acts of kindness, and community celebrations.

Devotees gather at Buddhist temples early in the morning for special prayers and chanting of sutras. Monks lead the congregation in meditation and spiritual teachings.

Offerings of flowers, candles, incense, and fruits are made at altars to honor the Buddha. These offerings symbolize impermanence and the need to let go of material attachments.

A key tradition is the Bathing the Buddha ceremony, where devotees pour water over a statue of the infant Buddha. This symbolizes the cleansing of the mind and soul from impurities and bad karma.

Many Buddhists use the day to perform Dana (acts of generosity) by donating food, money or essential items to the underprivileged.

Releasing caged birds, fish or other animals is a common practice, symbolizing the liberation of all beings and promoting compassion. Volunteer activities, such as cleaning public spaces or visiting nursing homes, are organized to spread kindness.

Lighting candles, lanterns or oil lamps is a common practice, representing the Buddha's enlightenment and the victory of light over darkness.

Many Buddhists adopt a vegetarian diet on Wesak Day to honor the principle of non-violence and show compassion for all living beings.

In Malaysia, people of different faiths often join in the celebrations or visit temples, reflecting the country's multicultural spirit.

More about Gautama Buddha?

Gautama Buddha, also known as Siddhartha Gautama, was a spiritual teacher, philosopher, and the founder of Buddhism.

Siddhartha Gautama was born around 623 BCE in Lumbini, present-day Nepal, into the royal Shakya clan. His father was the ruler of a small kingdom (Kapilavastu), and his mother passed away shortly after his birth.

To ensure Siddhartha followed the path of royalty, his father shielded him from the harsh realities of life. He grew up in luxury, married Princess Yasodhara, and had a son.

At the age of 29, Siddhartha ventured outside the palace and encountered four sights that profoundly changed his perspective: an old man, a sick person, a dead body, and a wandering ascetic. These encounters led him to question the purpose of life and the nature of suffering.

Siddhartha left his palace, wife, and son to seek answers to life's profound questions. Siddhartha resolved to meditate under the Bodhi Tree in Bodh Gaya, India. After meditating for 49 days, he achieved enlightenment at the age of 35, realizing the truths about life, suffering, and liberation.

Siddhartha resolved to meditate under the Bodhi Tree in Bodh Gaya, India, until he attained enlightenment. After meditating for 49 days, he achieved nirvana (enlightenment) at the age of 35, realizing the truths about life, suffering, and liberation.

At the age of 80, Gautama Buddha passed into Parinirvana (final liberation) in Kushinagar, India. His death marked his complete release from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth