Vesak Day marks the birth, enlightenment, and passing of the Buddha. In Singapore, it has been a public holiday since 1955 and is celebrated with temple ceremonies, acts of kindness, and community gatherings.

Buddha Day in Indonesia, known as Vesak or Waisak, celebrates the birth, enlightenment, and passing (parinirvana) of Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha. , it is marked by prayers, meditation, and candlelight processions, especially at Borobudur Temple, symbolizing peace, compassion and spiritual awakening.

Poson Full Moon Poya marks the arrival of Arahat Mahinda Thera and the introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka during King Devanampiya Tissa’s reign in the 3rd century BCE. The historic meeting at Mihintale led to Buddhism becoming the island’s state religion. Today, Poson Full Moon Poya Day is one of Sri Lanka’s most important Buddhist festivals.

Esala Full Moon Poya is one of Buddhism’s most historic days. It commemorates the conception and renunciation of Prince Siddhartha, the Buddha’s first sermon at Isipatana (introducing the Four Noble Truths), and the founding of the Sangha. In Sri Lanka, Esala is marked by temple observances and the world-famous Kandy Esala Perahera, honoring the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha.