Buddha’s birthday, often called Vesak or Visakha Puja, is celebrated on different dates by various schools of Buddhism. In east Asia it is observed on the first full moon date of the fourth month in the Chinese lunar calendar (typically May). But in other parts of Asia the day falls a month or more either earlier or later.
Whatever the date, Vesak is a time for hanging lanterns and enjoying communal meals. Joyous parades of musicians, dancers, floats, and dragons are common throughout Asia. In some temples, a baby Buddha figure is displayed, and children line up to pour water or sweet tea over the figure to “wash” the baby Buddha.
In Japan, Buddha’s birthday -- Hana Matsuri, or “Flower Festival” -- is celebrated every year on April 8. Those who go to temples bring offerings of fresh spring flowers.
Read More: The Birth of the Buddha
