In short: Vesak (Visākha Pūjā) is the most important Buddhist holy day. On the full moon of May, Theravāda Buddhists remember three moments of the Buddha's life together: his birth, his awakening and his passing away. In 2027 it falls on Thursday 20 May.
Birth
Awakening
Passing
✦ How to mark it
- 🕯 Visit a temple, or light a candle at home
- ☸ Keep the five or eight precepts
- ♡ Give: food, time, kindness (generosity)
- 🪷 Sit for a few minutes, as he sat under the tree (his awakening)
All dates: Buddhist holidays 2027
Questions people ask
When is Vesak 2027?
In the Theravāda calendar, Visakha Bucha (Vesak) falls on Thursday 20 May 2027. Dates can differ by a day between countries.