Day of Vesak: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about Day of Vesak (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. Day of Vesak is celebrated on May 5th.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of Day of Vesak, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as interesting facts you should know about Day of Vesak.

📅 What day is Day of Vesak 2024?

In 2024, Day of Vesak is on Friday, May 5th. It is the 1st Friday in May; in 2024, it is Sunday. There are until the next observance. You also can see all intriguing details and facts about May 5, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

Vesak is an annual celebration that takes place on the full moon in May. This year, it will occur on May 5. It is a significant day for Buddhists as it commemorates Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and death. The specific date of Vesak is determined by Asian lunisolar calendars and is mainly observed during the Vaisakha month in the Buddhist and Hindu calendars. Buddhism, one of the oldest religions globally, has millions of followers worldwide who uphold the teachings of Buddha.

📜 Day of Vesak History

Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism, was born in Nepal in the fifth century B.C. Despite being born into a wealthy family, he gave up his luxurious life and sought a middle path that advocated for a balanced and moderate way of living. After years of searching, he achieved enlightenment while meditating under a Bodhi tree. He dedicated his life to teaching others how to attain this spiritual state. Upon his death around 483 B.C., his teachings became the foundation of Buddhism.

In some instances, the month of May can have two full moons due to there being 29.5 days between each full moon. Different countries like Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Singapore celebrate Vesak Day on either the first or second full moon.

During Vesak Day, Buddhists make offerings to temples, typically in the form of flowers or joss sticks. They also release birds, animals, and insects as a symbol of granting freedom to those who are captive or imprisoned.

A small statue of the Buddha might be displayed in front of the altar, usually placed in a basin of water and flowers. This allows worshippers to pour water over the statue, symbolizing the purification of negative karma. This ritual also recalls the events following the Buddha’s birth, when gods and spirits bathed him in sacred waters.

✅ Day of Vesak Facts

🔖 The fourth-largest religion in the world
Approximately 360 million people follow Buddhism.

🔖 There is no single holy book or god
In Buddhism, there is no single holy book considered above all others, and Buddhists do not worship or believe in a supreme being or creator.

🔖 Buddhists don’t call their religion “Buddhism”
The term was coined by intellectuals from the Western world during the 1830s.

👍 Why Is Day of Vesak Important

We like studying religion’s lengthy and fascinating history. Its lessons have been passed down through the years. It has had an impact on many sectors of culture as well as several philosophical systems.

Many Buddhists will perform charitable acts, deliver offerings to the temple, and share food with others. Life was highly valued by Buddha, and many of his most significant teachings related to compassion.

Buddhism is the world’s fourth-largest religion, and this day will be observed by people all across the world. Even followers of other religions can participate in their celebrations and put some of their teachings, such as those on moderation, compassion, and self-awareness, into practice.

🙂 How To Observe Day of Vesak

⚡ Dress in white

⚡ Reflect on Buddha’s teachings
Take some time to reflect on the teachings of Buddha throughout the day. Regardless of whether you identify as a Buddhist or not, there is much to be gained from Buddhist philosophy, such as the importance of finding harmony and equilibrium in our lives.

⚡ Perform the Bathing the Buddha Ceremony
Wear white to commemorate the event, and aim to follow a vegetarian diet for the day. Buddhists are vegetarians because they believe in reincarnation and that every animal was once someone’s father, mother, or kid; even if you are not a Buddhist, this serves as a reminder to cherish the lives of all living beings.

📅 When is Day of Vesak?

See all 🔗 May holidays, including 🔗 Religious and other 🔗 Buddhist holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and cool facts about Day of Vesak. So be sure to check back soon.