This year, Buddhists celebrate mostly in May: May 15, 2024, is the eighth day of the fourth month of the lunisolar calendar, while May 23, 2024, is the first Full Moon of May. These dates are used by most Buddhists. You can see a list of holidays from our database below:
| Date | Country | Holiday Type |
|---|---|---|
| 23 March 2024 | Pakistan | Optional Holiday |
| 15 May 2024 | Hong Kong | National Holiday |
| South Korea | National Holiday | |
| Macau | National Holiday | |
| Taiwan | Observance | |
| 22 May 2024 | Malaysia | National Holiday |
| Singapore | National Holiday | |
| Thailand | National Holiday | |
| 23 May 2024 | Bangladesh | National Holiday |
| Bhutan | National Holiday | |
| Indonesia | National Holiday | |
| India | National Holiday | |
| Sri Lanka | National Holiday | |
| Mongolia | National Holiday | |
| Nepal | National Holiday | |
| United States | United Nations Observance | |
| Vietnam | Observance |
The date of Buddha’s Birthday varies widely due to the different lunar calendars used across various countries. Here are some examples:
Buddha’s Birthday is celebrated under many different names. The literal translation is Buddha Jayanti, the Sanskrit “jayanti” meaning “birthday.” Since Buddhist celebrations are often on a Full Moon, the day is also called Buddha Purnima (or Pournima) from the Sanskrit “purnima," meaning “Full Moon.”
Another common approach is to name the festival after the month it occurs. Thus, many countries don’t refer to Buddha himself but to the month of Vaisakha, leading to the name Vesak (also spelled Wesak, Waisak) or Visakha Bucha.
According to Buddhist tradition, Prince Siddharta Gautama was born at Lumbini in Nepal on April 8, 563 BCE. His mother, Queen Maya, had stopped at a beautiful flower garden on her way home when she gave birth to a boy. He was named Siddharta, which translates to “the accomplished goal.”
The year 563 BCE isn’t certain. It is but one of several possibilities—multiple traditions claim slightly different birth years, all falling around the end of the 4th century BCE.
The dates aren’t the only differences between Buddhists worldwide. Traditions can also change, and rituals can be performed differently. However, there is at least one very common tradition: Buddha’s birthday bath.
A little statue of the Buddha is “bathed” with water or sweetened tea, for example. People use ladles to pour water over the Buddha, to clean him, and to purify themselves. It is a metaphor for change and renewal and reminds us of the pure nature underneath everything piled up on top. Once the unnecessary defilements are washed away, we can truly shine.
Happy Birthday, Buddha!