Buddhist Festivas and Retreats

Question 1

Wesak

Answer 1

Main annual Buddhist festival. Commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and passing away of the Buddha. Lanterns and candles are often carried and put in shrines and temples. Water is another symbol of Wesak, where the Buddha is often bathed. Sometimes animals are freed and dana is shown to temples and charities.

Question 2

Vassa

Answer 2

3 month Buddhist rain retreat, where monks will remain in the Vihara for as much as possible of the 3 months. Lay buddhists often come to visit the Vihara and donate essentials to help the monks carry on doing Vassa.

Question 2

Parinirvana Day

Answer 2

For Mahayanan Buddhist, the most important festival is Parinirvana Day, where they remember the Buddha’s death and escapee from samsara.