Vesak 2025

Vesak, also known as Buddha Day, is one of the most significant festivals in the Buddhist calendar. It commemorates three major events in the life of Siddhartha Guatama (the founder of Buddhism): his birth, enlightenment and passing into Nirvana. Celebrated annually on the full moon of the lunar month of Vesakha, this festival usually falls in April or May. In 2025, Vesak will be observed on Monday 12th May.

The Story Behind Vesak 

Buddhists around the world follow the teachings of Siddhartha Guatama, who was born in the 5th century BC as a prince in a royal family. Despite his life of luxury, Siddhartha Guatama didn’t find comfort in wealth and realised that suffering was a universal part of human experience.

Determined to find the true path to peace and fulfilment, he renounced his royal life and became a wandering seeker. After six years of meditation and self discipline, he attained enlightenment while meditating under the Bodhi tree. From then on, he became known as the Buddha, a title for the enlightened one. He spent the rest of his life teaching others about his experiences and how to overcome suffering.

How Vesak Is Celebrated

Vesak is observed with great reverence and joy, and while customs vary between cultures, the essence remains the same: a reflection on the teachings of Buddha and a commitment to living a compassionate and mindful life. 

Common Vesak traditions include: 

• Temple visits - many Buddhists gather at their local temples for prayers, meditation and to listen to sutras (religious texts)
• Processions and rituals - monks and nuns may lead processions, recite sutras and perform symbolic rituals like bathing a Buddha statue, representing purification and renewal
• Acts of merit - making merit (punya) is a key part of Vesak. This includes offering food to monks, lighting incense or candles, donating to the poor, abstaining from meat and volunteering at animal shelters
• Community and family celebrations: families may decorate their homes with lanterns, wear white clothing as a sign of purity and share food with neighbours

Sky lanterns are released during Vesak, symbolising enlightenment and letting go of troubles. 

Beyond the festivities, Vesak is a time to reflect deeply on the values of wisdom, compassion and mindfulness. It’s a reminder that enlightenment is possible for anyone who commits to self awareness and kindness in life. As the full moon lights the sky on 12th May, Buddhists around the world will pause to remember the journey of Buddha. 

Sources: Vesak - Britannica & Vesak - BBC