In Thailand, Vesak is known as Visakha Bucha Day and is marked as a national holiday.
Vesak in Nepal, known as Buddha Jayanti, holds special significance as it is the birthplace of the Buddha.
In Myanmar, Vesak is celebrated on the Full Moon Day of Kason, a deeply revered day on the Burmese calendar.
Vesak, also known as Buddha Purnima, is one of the most sacred and widely celebrated days in the Buddhist calendar. It commemorates three significant events in the life of Siddhartha Gautama; the birth, enlightenment, and passing away (Parinirvana) of the Buddha. Though the essence of Vesak remains the same globally, a time for spiritual reflection, generosity, and reverence, the way it is observed varies beautifully from one country to another. Each culture brings its own colours, rituals, and spirit to the celebration. Let’s explore how Sri Lanka, Thailand, Nepal, and Myanmar mark this profound occasion in their own meaningful ways.
Sri Lanka: A Festival of Light and Generosity
In Sri Lanka, Vesak is not only a religious event but also a major cultural celebration that transforms the entire country. As the full moon of Vesak approaches, cities, towns, and villages light up with vibrant displays. The most iconic symbols of Sri Lankan Vesak are Vesak koodu, colourful lanterns made from bamboo and paper that hang outside homes, businesses, and along the streets. These lanterns represent the light of Buddha’s teachings dispelling darkness. Another unique tradition is the creation of pandals, large, illuminated displays depicting scenes from the Jataka tales, which recount the previous lives of the Buddha. These intricate, handcrafted structures draw large crowds and are often accompanied by background narration that explains the story being portrayed.
A defining feature of Vesak in Sri Lanka is the practice of dansal, free food and drink stalls set up by individuals, families, and organisations. From soft drinks and rice packets to noodles and ice cream, these offerings are a way for people to cultivate generosity, one of the Buddha’s core teachings. Visitors, regardless of religion or background, are welcome to partake, making dansals a cherished community activity. Temples across the country see a surge in visitors who come to offer flowers, light oil lamps, and listen to Bana sermons. Many people also observe Sil, undertaking vows to lead a more disciplined life, at least for the day. Vesak in Sri Lanka is a time of deep reflection, joyful giving, and nationwide unity.
Thailand: A Day of White Robes and Candlelight
In Thailand, Vesak is known as Visakha Bucha Day and is marked as a national holiday. Devotees often dress in simple white clothing, symbolising purity, and begin the day by visiting local temples. They bring offerings, mostly food, candles, and flowers, to monks and participate in merit-making activities such as chanting, meditation, and listening to Dhamma talks. What sets Thailand’s Vesak apart is the candlelight procession held in the evening. As dusk falls, the atmosphere becomes serene and reverent. Devotees walk three times in a clockwise direction around the main shrine or temple hall, carrying candles, incense sticks, and lotus flowers. Each round represents homage to the Triple Gem, the Buddha, the Dhamma (his teachings), and the Sangha (monastic community).
These processions, often set against the backdrop of golden temples and moonlit skies, embody a sense of calm and collective mindfulness. While technology and urban life evolve, this age-old tradition continues to bring Thai people together in silent devotion.
Nepal: Honouring the Buddha’s Birthplace
Vesak in Nepal, known as Buddha Jayanti, holds special significance as it is the birthplace of the Buddha. The town of Lumbini, where Queen Maya Devi is believed to have given birth to Siddhartha Gautama over 2,500 years ago, becomes the focal point of celebration. Pilgrims from around the world gather here to walk the sacred grounds, light butter lamps, and chant prayers of peace. Temples and stupas across Nepal, especially in Kathmandu and Pokhara, are adorned with prayer flags and flowers. Schools and government offices close, allowing people to engage in acts of service and reflection. Giving plays a central role; many choose this day to donate food, clothes, and medicine to the needy, embodying the compassionate spirit of the Buddha. For many Nepalis, Buddha Jayanti is not just a public holiday but a day of spiritual reconnection and national pride. In a land rich with Buddhist heritage, Vesak serves as a reminder of their deep historical ties to the Enlightened One.
Myanmar: Sacred Waters and Bodhi Trees
In Myanmar, Vesak is celebrated on the Full Moon Day of Kason, a deeply revered day on the Burmese calendar. The hallmark of Vesak here is the ceremonial watering of the Bodhi tree, believed to be a descendant of the original tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment. Devotees make their way to local pagodas and monasteries, carrying pots of water. They gently pour water at the base of the Bodhi tree while offering prayers, a symbolic act representing reverence and the nurturing of wisdom. As in other countries, monks play a central role, leading chanting, meditation sessions, and discourses. Families also prepare offerings and donations for the monastic community, including robes, alms, and daily necessities. The mood in Myanmar is more contemplative than festive, characterised by quiet devotion and respect. It’s a day when spiritual merit and reflection take precedence over spectacle.
A Shared Message, A Diverse Expression
Though Vesak is celebrated in different ways across Asia, the message remains constant, a call to inner peace, compassion, and gratitude for the Buddha’s teachings. Each country blends ancient tradition with local culture, creating a mosaic of celebrations that are unique yet united in purpose. From the glowing lanterns of Sri Lanka and the tranquil candlelight processions of Thailand to the sacred grounds of Lumbini in Nepal and the water offerings beneath Bodhi trees in Myanmar, Vesak is a beautiful reminder of shared values expressed through diverse customs. It invites all who observe it to slow down, reflect, and embrace the enduring wisdom of the Enlightened One.
