"Visakhapuja Day"

Recognized as most important memorial day in Buddhism, The Visakhapuja Day reminds Buddhists the important of Lord Buddha's teachings, both spiritually and socially. The day marks the same day - the full moon night of the sixth lunar month - when Lord Buddha was born into this world, attained enlightenment 35 years later, and passed away when he was 80.

Visakhapuja Day is recognized by the UNESCO on December 13, 1999 as "World Heritage Day".

VISAKHA BUCHA (Vesak) means the worship of the Buddha on the full moon day of the sixth lunar month. It usually falls in May. In the case of a year with an extra eighth lunar month--Adhikamasa (there are 13 full moons in that year)-- the Visakhapuja Day falls on the full moon day of the seventh lunar month.

BIRTH	ENLIGHTENMENT	PARINIPANA

BIRTH-ENLIGHTENMENT-PASSING AWAY
The Vesak full moon day
(The full moon day of Sixth lunar month)

Visakhapuja Day is one of the most important days in Buddhism because of three important incidents in the life of The Buddha, i.e. the birth, the enlightenment and the passing away, miraculously fall on the same month and date, the Vesak full moon day. So each year, Buddhists throughout the world gather together to perform the worship to recollect the wisdom, purity and compassion of the Buddha.

ACTIVITIES TO BE OBSERVED ON THE VISAKHAPUJA DAY

'TUM BOON': Making merit by going to temples for special observances, making merit, listening to Dhamma preaching, giving some donations and join in the other Buddhist activities.

'RUB SIL': Keeping the Five Precepts, including abstinence from alcoholic drinks and all kinds of immoral acts.

'TUK BARD': Offering food to the monks and novices (in the alm bowl).

Practice of renuciation: Observe the Eight Precepts, practice of meditation and mental discipline, stay in the temple, wearing white robes, for a number of days.

VIEN TIEN': Attending the Candle Light Procession around the Uposatha Hall, in the evening of the Vesak full moon day.