Major Buddhist Festivals

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Major Buddhist Festivals
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Celebrating Life with Buddhism

• Buddhism is a very beautiful religion that has
  its main focus on the life of its master -
  Gautama Buddha
• Most Buddhist festivals revolve around the life
  events of Buddha, and have a deep connection with
  how he was enlightened
• Buddha is believed to be enlightened around 2,500
  years ago, and all the major
• traditions and festivals came into existence
  ever since then

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Buddha Purnima

• Celebrated on the full moon day of the Vaisakh
  month
• It is the day when Prince Siddhartha was born
• Also celebrated as the day when the Prince
  attained enlightenment and was known as Buddha
• Essentially, in one day people celebrate the
  birth, enlightenment, and passing away of
  Buddha
• This festival is great gusto all over India

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Hemis Festival

• Celebrated at the Hemis Monastery in Ladakh
• It is celebrated in the honour of Guru Rimpoche,
  who is considered to be a reincarnation of the
  Buddha himself
• Guru Rimpoche holds the credit of the spread of
  Buddhism in Tibet and dedicated his life for the
  betterment of mankind
• The Cham Dance is performed by the monks, which
  is a sacred form of dance and song that adds a
  mystic touch to the festival
• The festival brings together people from around
  the world, who come to witness the colourful
  celebrations around this festival
• If you want to attend this, you should book a
  Ladakh tour packages soon

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Asalha Puja Day

• Celebrated on the full moon day of the eighth
  lunar month
• It commemorates the day when Buddha gave his
  first teachings to a group of five ascetics
• It also marks the beginning of the rain retreat
  or the starting of the monsoon months
• Buddha spoke about the essence of his learnings,
  the turning of the wheel of Dhamma
• It was here that the senior ascetic attained the
  first level of enlightenment

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Sangha Day

• It takes place on the full moon day of the third
  lunar month
• Marks an important event that takes place early
  in Buddhas teaching life
• 1250 enlightened saints, also known as Arahats,
  gathered without intimation to pay
  respect to Buddha
• The day is remembered for the speech that Buddha
  delivered to them
• On this day, devotees visit Buddhist shrines and
  participate in religious discussions
• Travellers from across the globe attend this
  festival. Book your Thailand tour packages so
  that you do not miss out on this

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