Vesak Day

Vesak Day History

Vesak Day, or the day of the Full Moon, is one of the most important dates on the Buddhist calendar. It celebrates the birth of Buddha in 623 B.C. It was also on this day that the Buddha attained enlightenment and, coincidently, it is the day he passed away eighty years later. Buddhism is the fourth largest religion in the world, and it is one of the oldest. It encompasses traditions, beliefs, spiritual practices based on the teachings of the Buddha. It originated in India sometime in the 6th century BCE. Buddhism includes teachings of compassion and peace and for this, the UN acknowledges its contributions. It preaches compassion and peace and looks for ways to end suffering caused by desire. Its end goal is nirvana, which is an ending of the cycle of death and rebirth.

Vesak Day was officially recognized in 1999 by the UN General Assembly. It is observed annually on the full moon day of the Vaisakha month of the Hindu calendar.