Vesak that commemorates Gautama Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and ‘parinirvana’ is one of the holiest days for Buddhists in Sri Lanka. The day for the commemoration has been determined according to the Buddhist Calendar and falls on the first full moon day in May, the 6th lunar month. Vesak was the Pali and Sanskrit name given to the lunar month falling between April and May. The day itself is an Uposatha day which is dedicated to meditation and practicing the Buddha’s teachings. Buddhists in Sri Lanka commemorate Vesak according to traditions laid down by hundreds of years of observing this holy day. Many Buddhists start the day by joining other worshipers at temples around the country for the first prayers. Offering flowers, lighting candles and joss …

One of the most significant dates in the Buddhist calendar is Vesak. It is the day that commemorates the 3 main events in Lord Buddha’s life; birth, enlightenment and death. Singapore is an Asian country that has a large number of Buddhists and therefore Vesak is a public holiday here. It falls on the 15th of the 4th month in the Chinese Lunar Calendar. Various temples throughout Singapore have activities starting from dawn during Vesak. Devotees visit the temple with offerings of flowers, joy-sticks and candles. These simple offerings have meaning too as they symbolize that life also wilts away like the flowers or burns down like the candle and joy-stick. This day has more good deeds being performed as it is believed that the …

Being a Buddhist country, Sri Lanka is one of the best places in the world to experience the Vesak Festival which is an important annual event for devotees. Those planning Sri Lanka travel excursions during this time can make use of Jetwing Travels which is a reputed name in the tour industry. They offer a variety of Sri Lanka tours that will take you around the country, which is a treat especially during Vesak. This festival generally takes place on the full moon during a particular lunar month which usually falls in May. Honouring the birth, enlightenment and death of Gautama Buddha, Vesak is a festive occasion and ceremonies and celebrations last for around a week. A unique feature during this time is the setting up and display of …

The remarkable Aoi Festival is a unique event conducted in the Japanese city of Kyoto. This event which falls on the 15th of May is counted amongst the three biggest festivals in this city. The festival is centred on the Kamigamo and Shimogamo shrines, both of which are involved in the activities of the festival. Officially called the Kamo Festival this distinctive event originated in the middle of the 6th century. The ruler of the time Emperor Kinmei decreed that a ceremonial celebration be held so as to placate the gods and thereby end a disastrous famine. The objective of the festival was achieved and since then this celebration has been conducted each year, becoming especially popular amongst the wider public during the Edo era. …

Rice constitutes a staple in most South Asian countries and while in nations such as Thailand, rice is only a component of a meal, in countries such as India and Sri Lanka, rice tends to be the primary focus of any meal and all other curries are considered subsidiary or complementary. Given the radical importance placed by most South Asian and South East Asian countries on this type of grain, it is no surprise that a number of traditional ceremonies conducted throughout centuries tend to focus on the ploughing season. Most such nations place a great degree of importance on celebrating the beginning of the season, the reaping of the grain and often, communities pledge the first meal made from rice, to the gods or …

Indonesia is a land that is complete with many colourful aspects of life that are brought forth by the traditions and culture of varying origins and ethnic groups. Diversity flourishes here in beautiful degrees and festivities are held here of different religious backgrounds, making this country an ideal place to visit indeed. The Buddhist population that lives in Indonesia celebrates in great reverence and honour the day that marks the birth, enlightenment and the death of Buddha Siddharta Gautama, the day of Waisak. This day is indeed prominent to the Buddhists scattered A festival that is predominantly centred on meditation and goodwill, on the day of Waisak many Buddhists from all over the country gather in Borobudur to bask in the reverent wonder of this …