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There are many festivals in Buddhism since there are many different cultures with followers of Buddhism. However, all these festivals focus on the Buddha and his life and teachings.

Wesak (Theravada Buddhism)

Wesak is widely celebrated in Theravada Buddhism. It occurs on the full moon of the ancient Indian month called Wesak. It is a joyous celebration, where Buddhists remember the birth, life and enlightenment of Gautama Buddha. The festival is sometimes called Buddha Day or Buddha’s Birthday, although it commemorates the Buddha’s whole life and eventual passing into nirvana.

During Wesak, Theravada Buddhists chant and meditate in the temple, focusing on the Three Jewels (the Buddha, the Dhamma and the Sangha). They make offerings symbolising impermanence, such as flowers or incense sticks.

At this time, Buddhists make an effort to avoid conflict or violence and to bring joy to others. They eat vegetarian food, and in some countries birds and animals are released from cages to symbolise liberation. Donations are made to the poor and needy as well as to monasteries and temples.

Kathina (Theravada Buddhism)

In the Theravada tradition, Kathina is an opportunity for the lay community of Buddhists to give thanks to the monks and nuns, or bhikkhus. It takes place all over the countries that follow Theravada Buddhism.

The festival occurs at the end of Vassa, which is the rainy season and lasts for around three months in most South Asian countries. According to Buddhist teaching, bhikkhus do not travel in the rainy season, because the Buddha was concerned that they would damage crops and insects.

At the end of Vassa, local people celebrate the bhikkhus. They donate cloth, robes or money to thank their local bhikkhus, help with the upkeep of the temples and vihara, and earn positive karma.

Parinirvana Day (Mahayana Buddhism)

In Mahayana tradition, the death of the Buddha is marked by Parinirvana Day (sometimes also called Parinibbana Day, Nibbana Day or Nirvana Day). The word parinirvana means ‘nirvana after death’. It refers to the Buddha’s ‘complete nirvana’, or liberation from samsara. According to Buddhist belief, the Buddha achieved enlightenment but then remained on Earth to teach and guide others for a further 40 years. He died at age 80 and achieved complete nirvana. This festival recalls and celebrates the belief that the Buddha went into the state of parinirvana.

On Parinirvana Day, Mahayana Buddhists attend the temple and may listen to readings about the Buddha’s final days. People bring gifts to the monastery or temple to support it. They also chant, meditate and offer devotions to the Buddha. Some Buddhists go on a Parinirvana retreat, where they focus on meditation and reflection.

The tone on Parinirvana Day is sombre and reflective. During this festival, Buddhists think about their own mortality and remember others in their lives who have died. This enables them to consider how they will reach nirvana.

Retreats

Retreats are essential in Buddhism. Whether Buddhists are alone or in a group, time taken to focus on the mind and understanding is necessary for spiritual growth.

Retreats take place throughout the year in both isolated and communal settings. Since the Buddha asked wandering monks not to travel during Vassa (the rainy season), it has become a common practice to go on a retreat during Vassa.