Vesak which is also known as Buddha Jayanti, Buddha Purnima, Buddha Day, and Pht n, is a Buddhist feast that has historically been celebrated by Buddhists in South and Southeast Asia, Tibet, and Mongolia. The most significant Buddhist holiday is this one. In Theravada, Tibetan Buddhism, and Navayana, the festival honors the birth, enlightenment (Nibbna), and demise (Parinirvna) of Gautama Buddha. The word Vesak comes from the Pali word veskha or the Sanskrit word vaikha for the Vaisakha lunar month, which is regarded as the month of Buddha’s birth. The holiday is known by its Sanskrit name (Vaikha) and its related forms in Mahayana Buddhist traditions. Even though Buddhist festivals have a long history, Vesak’s designation as the Buddha’s birthday was made official by the World Fellowship of Buddhists at its first conference, which was held in Sri Lanka in 1950. The following is the text of the resolution that was approved in the World Conference:
This Conference of the World Fellowship of Buddhists earnestly requests the Heads of Government of all countries where there are any number of Buddhists, whether large or small, while also expressing its gratitude for His Majesty, the Maharaja of Nepal’s kind act in declaring the full-moon day of Vesak a public holiday in Nepal. Buddhists remember three events that are significant to Buddhists of all traditions on Vesak Day: the birth, enlightenment, and death of Gautama Buddha. Buddhism was incorporated into many other cultures as it spread from India, therefore Vesak is now observed in a variety of ways around the world. The day of Vaishakh Purnima, also known as Buddha Jayanti Day in India, has long been recognized as the Buddha’s birthdate.
On Vesak Day, Buddhists commemorate three occasions that are important to Buddhists of all traditions: the birth, awakening, and demise of Gautama Buddha. Buddhism extended from India to many other cultures, and as a result, Vesak is today observed in many different ways all across the world. The Buddha’s birthdate has traditionally been acknowledged to be the day of Vaishakh Purnima, also known as Buddha Jayanti Day in India.
Thousands of birds, insects, and other animals are also released in a practice known as life release to free people who are being held against their will in captivity, imprisoned, or subjected to torture. (The practice is, however, outlawed in several nations, like Singapore, due to the fact that the released creatures are either unable to live over the long term or if they do, may negatively affect the local environment. Some devoted Buddhists will spend the entire day in temples while dressing simply in white and recommitting themselves to upholding the eight commandments.
Making particular attempts to cheer up the unfortunate, such as the elderly, the crippled, and the ill, is another aspect of celebrating Vesak. Even now, Buddhists still provide contributions of money or their time to many charity organizations around the nation.
Vesak is also a season of immense joy and satisfaction, which is exhibited by focusing on beneficial tasks rather than indulgent pursuits like decorating and lighting temples or painting and crafting gorgeous scenes from the Buddha’s life for public consumption.
Devout Buddhists compete with one another to serve vegetarian food and refreshments to worshippers who come to the temple to pay respects to the Enlightened One.
Wishing everyone a happy Vesak which sparkles with the lights of peace, prosperity and unity!
