Buddhism

Buddhism is a spiritual and philosophical tradition founded by Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha) in the 5th–6th century BCE in ancient India. It centers on understanding the nature of suffering, the path to liberation, and achieving inner peace through wisdom, compassion and mindfulness.

Buddhism teaches that by understanding and transforming the mind through ethical living, wisdom, and meditation, one can overcome suffering and attain enlightenment, the ultimate peace.

  • Navam Full Moon Poya Day

    Buddhism

    Navam Full Moon Poya commemorates the Buddha's appointment of his chief disciples Sariputta and Moggallana, and the establishment of the Vinaya (monastic code). In Sri Lanka, it is marked by religious observances and the grand Navam Perahera at Kelaniya temple, a spectacular cultural procession with monks, dancers, drummers and decorated elephants.

  • Medin Full Moon Poya Day

    Buddhism

    Medin Full Moon Poya marks the Buddha's first visit to his hometown Kapilavastu after Enlightenment, where he ordained his son Rahula as the first novice monk. In Sri Lanka, the day is observed with almsgiving, meditation, and novice ordination ceremonies, symbolizing the inheritance of the Dhamma.

  • Makha Bucha Day Thailand

    Buddhism

    Makha Bucha Day is one of the most sacred and widely observed Buddhist holidays in Thailand, commemorating a pivotal moment in the life of the Buddha. While its spiritual origins date back over 2,500 years, its recognition as a public holiday in Thailand has a distinct historical development tied to royal religious reforms and the promotion of Buddhist unity.

  • Bak Full Moon Poya Day

    Buddhism

    Bak Full Moon Poya commemorates the Buddha's second visit to Sri Lanka in the 5th year after Enlightenment, when he settled a war between Naga kings Chulodara and Mahodara at Nagadipa. The event, recorded in the Mahavamsa, symbolizes peace and the Buddha's role as peacemaker.

  • Vesak Full Moon Poya Day

    Vesak Full Moon Poya, rooted in ancient India, commemorates the birth, Enlightenment, and passing away of the Buddha, all on the full moon of May. Introduced to Sri Lanka in the 3rd century BCE, it became the island's most sacred Buddhist festival. Today, Vesak is celebrated with temple rituals and almsgiving, symbolizing peace and the victory of wisdom over ignorance.

  • Buddha's Birthday (Hong Kong)

    Buddhism

    Buddha's Birthday in Hong Kong honors the birth of Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism. It is a public holiday marked by ceremonies, temple visits, and the ritual of bathing the Buddha, symbolizing purity, compassion and spiritual renewal.

  • Buddha's Birthday (Macau)

    Buddhism

    Buddha's Birthday honors the birth of Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism. The day is marked with temple ceremonies, incense offerings, and the symbolic "Bathing of the Buddha" ritual, where devotees pour water over Buddha statues to signify purification and renewal. Many people visit temples to pray for peace, compassion and good fortune.

  • Buddha Day (Indonesia)

    Buddhism

    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.