Wesak Day

Wesak Day is an annual holiday observed traditionally by Buddhists. Sometimes informally called "Buddha's Birthday", it actually encompasses the birth, enlightenment and passing away of Gautama Buddha. Wesak Day is on the 8th of the 4th month in the Chinese lunar calendar.

Main float at a candlelight procession during Wesak Day.

On this day, devout Buddhists and followers alike are expected and requested to assemble in their various temples before dawn for the ceremonial, hoisting of the Buddhist flag and the singing of hymns in praise of the holy triple gem. Devotees may bring simple offerings of flowers, candles and joss sticks to lay at the feet of their teacher.

Devotees are enjoined to make a special effort to refrain from killing of any kind. They are encouraged to partake of vegetarian food for the day. Also birds, insects and animals are released by the thousands in what is known as a "symbolic act to liberation"; of giving freedom to those who are in captivity or tortured against their will.

Devotees offering flowers to pay homage to Lord Buddha during Wesak Day.

Devotees burning candles and joss sticks at a temple.

A Buddhist devotee lights oil lamps ahead of Wesak Day celebrations.

Some temples also display a small image of the baby Buddha in front of the altar in a small basin filled with water and decorated with flowers, allowing devotees to pour water the statue; it is symbolic of the cleaning of a practitioners bad karma, and to reenact the events following the Buddha's birth, when devas and spirits made heavenly offerings to him.

Bathing of the baby Buddha.

Devotees are expected to listen to talks given by monks. On this day monks will recite verses uttered by the Buddha, to invoke peace and happiness for the people. Buddhists are reminded to live in harmony with people of other faiths and to respect the beliefs of other people as the Buddha had taught.