Vesak (Wesak) Day / Buddha Day celebrates the birthday of Buddha and, for some Buddhists, also marks his enlightenment and death. The holiday is observed on the full-moon day of the lunar month Vesakha, the fourth month of the lunar calendar, which falls in April, May, or June. In 1950 the World Fellowship of Buddhists made Vesak an international holiday to be celebrated on the first full moon of May. In 1999 the United Nations recognized Vesak as an international holiday.
It was on the Day of Vesak in the year 623 B.C., that the Buddha was born. It was also on the Day of Vesak that the Buddha attained enlightenment, and it was on the Day of Vesak that the Buddha in his eightieth year passed away.
Wesak is a very colourful and happy celebration. Homes may be cleaned and decorated. In many countries, Buddhists will visit their local temple for services and teaching. They will give offerings to the monks of food, candles and flowers. Chanting and praying are an important part of Wesak.
Wesak (Buddha’s birthday, awakening & nirvana) procession at the Great Buddhist Temple (Grande Pagode de Vincennes) Photo: Philippe Lissac/Godong/Universal Images Group 
Wesak (Buddha’s birthday, awakening & nirvana) celebration at the Great Buddhist Temple (Grande Pagode de Vincennes) Photo: Philippe Lissac/Godong/Universal Images Group 
Wesak day celebration. Photo: Pascal Deloche/Godong/Universal Images Group 
Painting depicting Buddha’s birthday (Wesak) in Wat Than Photo: Philippe Lissac/Godong/Universal Images Group 
Wesak celebration at the Great Vincennes Pagoda, France Photo: Philippe Lissac/Godong/Universal Images Group 
Wesak celebration at the Great Vincennes Pagoda, France Photo: Philippe Lissac/Godong/Universal Images Group 
Wesak day celebration in Khanh Anh temple Photo: Pascal Deloche/Godong/Universal Images Group 
Indonesia: Celebration of Vesak Day 2563 BE in Mendut Temple, Central Java Photo: Devi Rahman/INA Photo Agency//Universal Images Group 
Tu An buddhist temple. Vesak celebration. Birthday of Shakyamuni Buddha. Bathing infant Buddha to Purify the heart Photo: Pascal Deloche/Godong/Universal Images Group 
Vesak celebration. Birthday of Shakyamuni Buddha. Bathing infant Buddha to Purify the heart. Singapore Photo: Pascal Deloche/Godong/Universal Images Group 
Phuoc Long Buddhist pagoda. On Vesak Day, Buddhists commemorate the birth, enlightenment and the death of Buddha Gautama. Tan Chau. Vietnam Photo: Pascal Deloche/Godong/Universal Images Group 
Thien Quang buddhist pagoda. Vesak celebration. Birthday of Shakyamuni Buddha. Bathing infant Buddha to Purify the heart. Tan Chau. Vietnam Photo: Pascal Deloche/Godong/Universal Images Group 
Chua Ho Quoc pagoda. The life story of Shakyamuni Buddha. Birth of Buddha in the Lumbini grove. Phu Quoc, Vietnam Photo: Pascal Deloche/Godong/Universal Images Group 
Tu An buddhist temple. Vesak celebration. Birthday of Shakyamuni Buddha. Bathing infant Buddha to Purify the heart Photo: Pascal Deloche/Godong/Universal Images Group 
Tu An buddhist temple. Vesak celebration. Birthday of Shakyamuni Buddha. Bathing infant Buddha to Purify the heart Photo: Pascal Deloche/Godong/Universal Images Group 
Online ceremonies to mark Vesak Day in Indonesia Photo: Devi Rahman/INA Photo Agency/Universal Images Group 
Online ceremonies to mark Vesak Day in Indonesia Photo: Devi Rahman/INA Photo Agency/Universal Images Group 
Indonesia: Celebration of Vesak Day 2563 BE in Mendut Temple, Central Java Photo: Devi Rahman/INA Photo Agency//Universal Images Group 
south korea, seoul, jogyesa temple. buddhist lanterns hung to celebrate buddhas birthday Photo: Eye Ubiquitous/Universal Images Group 
Korean Buddhist monk leads prayers during May celebrations of Buddhas birthday Photo: Eye Ubiquitous/Universal Images Group 
Wesak (Buddha’s birthday, awakening & nirvana) celebration at the Great Buddhist Temple (Grande Pagode de Vincennes) Photo: Philippe Lissac/Godong/Universal Images Group 
Wesak day at Plum Village, France Photo: Philippe Lissac/Godong/Universal Images Group 
Wesak (Buddha’s birthday, awakening & nirvana) celebration at the Great Buddhist Temple (Grande Pagode de Vincennes) Photo: Philippe Lissac/Godong/Universal Images Group 
Colombo, Sri Lanka. 26th May 2021. Houses have hung Vesak lanterns to celebrate the festival Photo: Ricky Simms/Majority World/Universal Images Group 
Tu An buddhist temple. Vesak celebration. Birthday of Shakyamuni Buddha. Bathing infant Buddha to Purify the heart Photo: Pascal Deloche/Godong/Universal Images Group 
Tu An buddhist temple. Vesak celebration. Birthday of Shakyamuni Buddha. Bathing infant Buddha to Purify the heart Photo: Pascal Deloche/Godong/Universal Images Group 
Buddha as a child. It is said that the child was born fully awake. Phnom Penh, Cambodia Photo: Pascal Deloche/Godong/Universal Images Group 
Indonesia: Celebration of Vesak Day 2563 BE in Mendut Temple, Central Java Photo: Devi Rahman/INA Photo Agency//Universal Images Group
The ceremony of ‘Bathing the Buddha’ is also often included. Water is poured over the shoulders of the Buddha as a reminder to purify their own minds from greed, hatred and ignorance. Gifts are taken to an altar to be offered to the Buddha statues. This shows respect and gratitude to the Buddha for his life and teachings.
Giving to others is an important Buddhist tradition. Buddhists make a special effort to give to people in need at Vesak.
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Sources:
https://www.un.org/en/observances/vesak-day