Festivals In Buddhism

 

 Here are some festivals celebrated in Buddhism:

 

Songkran- Takes place in mid-April and during this time people clean their houses, wash their clothes, and sweet smelling water on monks.

Vesak- also known as " Buddha Day." It celebrates the birth, enlightenment, and passing away of Siddartha Gauttama. Takes place in May.

Kathina- it is a time of giving, and expressing gratitude to the monks and nuns. Donations are brought to the temple. Robes are given to the monks.and nuns.

Esala Perahera- commonly known as the festival of the tooth. Takes place in July or August in Sri Lanka. Consists of dances and nicely decorated elephants.

New Year- like any other New Year's, on this day people make a new beginning a fresh new year and goals. Gifts are exchanged, dressup in new clothes, people clean their houses and family gatherings takes place. Takes place in January of April depending on the type of buddhist you are.

Obon- a festival that celebrates the deceased. It has now evolved into a family gathering type of festival which people visit and clean their ancestors burial site. This festival takes place for three days in August.

Higan- celebrated in both autumn and spring. It is when a person leaves the life of ignorance and suffering to lead the life of enlightenment and peace.

Sangha Day- celebrates the Buddha's visit to Veruvana Monestary in the city of Rajagaha, when 1250 arhats returned from their wanderings to meet Buddha to pay their respects. Celebrated in March on full moon.

Dhamma Day- acknowledges the Buddha's first sermon called the, " turning of the wheel of the Dharma" at the Sarnath Deer Park. Celebrated in July on the full moon day.

Loy Krathong- people bring leaves shaped as bowls with flowers in it, candles and incense sticks and float them in the water. As the boat goes, all bad luck is supposed to disappear with that boat.