Join South Asians in the Vesak Festival on 14 May, 2014

It is really remarkable that India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka in South Asia will celebrate the Vesak festival, a significant Buddhist festival, on 14 May 2014.

Since primarily celebrated on the full moon day of the Vaisakha month of the Buddhist calendar, the festival is named Vesak and is held to celebrate the birth, enlightenment, and death of Gautama Buddha, who is widely honored as one of the greatest benefactors of Humanity.

Normally, on this day, pious Buddhists and followers alike will gather in local temples before dawn for raising the honorable Buddhist flag and chanting sutras. The "Bathing the Buddha" ceremony and praying are also important parts of the festival. Donation and alms-giving activities will be held to help and bring happiness to others. Many people will also visit temples bringing food and flowers to listen to the Buddha's teachings and pray.

There is little difference between celebrations held in different countries. For example, in India, the festival is usually called "Buddha Purnima" (Purnima means the full moon day in Sanskrit). During the day, caged animals will be set free to show care for all living beings, as preached by Buddha. In Nepal, the festival, known as "Buddha Jayanti", is celebrated nationwide, mainly held in Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha, and Swayambhu, a sacred temple for Buddhists. And in Sri Lanka , electrical pandols will be erected mainly in Colombo, Kandy, Galle, etc.

It is widely regarded as a meaningful festival to feel the extensive and profound Buddhism culture.