Major Buddhist Festivals

Buddhism is one of the world's oldest religions, with a rich tradition of festivals. This article introduces the major festivals of Tibetan Buddhism, Chinese Buddhism, and Theravada Buddhism, along with the main celebration activities in each tradition. These festivals not only reflect Buddhist core teachings and historical events but also showcase the unique cultural characteristics of different Buddhist traditions.

Tibetan Buddhist Festivals

Losar (Tibetan New Year)

1st-3rd day of the 1st Tibetan month

Monlam Festival

1st-15th day of the 1st Tibetan month
Commemorating Buddha's miracles

Saga Dawa

15th day of the 4th Tibetan month
Commemorating Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and parinirvana

Chokhor Duchen

4th day of the 6th Tibetan month
Commemorating Buddha's first turning of the Dharma wheel

Guru Rinpoche's Birthday

10th day of the 6th Tibetan month

Mahayana Buddhist Festivals

Maitreya Buddha's Birthday

1st day of the 1st lunar month

Guanyin Bodhisattva's Birthday

19th day of the 2nd lunar month

Shakyamuni Buddha's Birthday

8th day of the 4th lunar month

Ullambana Festival

15th day of the 7th lunar month

Medicine Buddha's Birthday

30th day of the 9th lunar month

Amitabha Buddha's Birthday

17th day of the 11th lunar month

Theravada Buddhist Festivals

Magha Puja

15th day of the 1st lunar month
Commemorating Buddha's teaching of the Patimokkha to 1,250 Arahants

Vesak Day

15th day of the 4th lunar month
Commemorating Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and parinirvana

Beginning of Vassa

16th day of the 4th lunar month
Beginning of three-month monastic retreat

End of Vassa (Pavarana Day)

15th day of the 7th lunar month
End of retreat and monastic confession

Main Activities

Tibetan Buddhism

Turning prayer wheels
Mantra recitation
Offering incense
Offering butter lamps

Mahayana Buddhism

Bathing Buddha statues
Sutra chanting
Releasing animals
Offering to Sangha

Theravada Buddhism

Buddha worship
Scripture chanting
Meditation
Water blessing