Buddhism Beliefs: Festivals

Question 1

What are the two main Buddhist festivals?

Answer 1

• Wesak
• Parinirvana day

Question 2

What is Wesak?

Answer 2

• Also known as Buddha day
• It is celebrated in the month of Vesak, which is generally in May
• It is a Theravada festival

Question 3

Why is wesak significant?

Answer 3

-Wesak commemorates three major events in the Buddha’s life: -
- his birth
- his enlightenment
- his death
- Wesak is a festival to honour and remember the Buddha and his teaching

Question 4

How do Buddhists celebrate Wesak?

Answer 4

• Light is very important in Wesak celebrations
• Buddhists may decorate and light up their homes with candles, lamps or paper lanterns
• They take part in worship and meditation at the local temple or monastery
• In Singapore, there are ceremonies where caged birds and animals are released as a symbol of liberation and release from troubles and wrong-doings

Question 5

What is Parinirvana Day?

Answer 5

• Parinirvana Day is a Mahayana festival that commemorates the Buddha’s death
• In this festival Buddhists remember the Buddha’s passing into Parinirvana, the final state of Nibbana
• It is a more solemn occasion than Wesak
• Parinirvana Day is celebrated in February

Question 6

Why is Parinirvana Day significant?

Answer 6

• Because Buddhists commemorate the passing of the Buddha, Parinirvana Day is a chance to:
  
  • Reflect on their own future death
  • Remember friends or relatives who have passed away

Question 7

How do Buddhists celebrate Parinirvana Day?

Answer 7

• Buddhists may read and study the scriptures
• They may meditate at home
• Some Buddhists join their community in temples and monasteries for Puja and meditation
• Some Buddhists might go on a pilgrimage
• Some Buddhists will go on retreats for extra prayer and reflection at this solemn time