Buddhist Holidays
Buddhist holidays are based on a lunar calendar and differ based on the country, region or tradition of the Buddhist. They are joyful times and usually start out with the visiting of a temple and offering food or other items, listening to the Dharma talk. Then in the evening, people pass out food to the poor and walk around the temple three times to represent the three jewels, chanting and meditating.
Buddhist New Years
In the Theavadin countries, it is celebrated from the first full moon in April and lasts for three days. In Mahayana countries it starts with the first full moon of January. The Tibetan Buddhist celebrate it during March.
Vesak (Buddha Day)
This is the most important holiday in Buddhism. This day is also know as Buddha's Birthday. It is celebrated during the first day of the full moon in May. Buddhist celebrate his birth, enlightenment and death all in this one day.
Elephant Festival
This Marks the teaching of Buddha's that an older Buddhist should help a new Buddhist. Buddha taught this using elephants as an example to his followers. It is celebrated the third Saturday in November.