What day is Vesak Day? According to information, the 15th day of the fourth lunar month (15th of April in the lunar calendar) has been unanimously chosen as Vesak Day, meaning Vesak Day 2019 will be observed on 19th May in the Gregorian calendar. However, this year, the celebration will take place earlier.
When and where does the United Nations Vesak 2019 take place?
1. When is Vesak Day celebrated? Origin
Buddhism commemorates various festivals, and among them, Vesak Day stands out as a major celebration, combining two other significant festivals known as the United Nations Vesak Day.
Before 1959, the 8th day of the 4th lunar month annually was designated for Vesak Day celebrations in Southeast Asian countries. However, later, delegations from 26 member countries of the United Nations unanimously agreed that the 15th day of the 4th lunar month each year would be Vesak Day.
Vesak Day, the Buddha's Birthday, is a significant celebration in Buddhism.
On December 15, 1999, during the 54th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Vesak was officially recognized as an international cultural and religious festival. It aims to promote ethical values, honor cultural values, advocate for peace, and embody the spirit of unity inspired by Lord Buddha. Since the year 2000, the United Nations headquarters has been the venue for commemorative activities. This significant Buddhist day is observed on the 15th day of the 4th lunar month, meaning Vesak 2019 will take place on May 19 in the Gregorian calendar.
2. Significance of Vesak Day
On the grand festival day of Buddhism, the teachings of Buddha and the Sangha are honored through offerings of flowers and communal activities. Devout Buddhists observe vegetarianism, adhere to the Five Precepts, engage in charitable deeds, and contribute gifts and money to those in need in society and the community.
3. When is Vesak Day 2019 celebrated? Where?
The grand Vesak celebration in 2019 will continue to be organized in Vietnam. According to information, Vesak Day in Vietnam 2019 is scheduled to take place on May 12-14, 2019, at the central cultural hub of Tam Chuc Buddhist Complex, Ba Sao commune, Kim Bang, Ha Nam.
The anticipated Buddhist festival will host a procession for over 1,500 monks, leaders of various sects, scholars, and more from numerous countries worldwide. It aims to attract over 10,000 Buddhists globally and Vietnamese locals gathering for spiritual enrichment.
The Vesak celebration in 2019 will be held at Pho Da Pagoda in Berlin, Germany.
Therefore, Vesak Day is considered an occasion for Buddhist leaders worldwide to connect, meet, and convey the teachings of Buddha to humanity regarding peace and development. Furthermore, this Vesak Day is a significant diplomatic event, contributing to enhancing the role of Vietnamese Buddhism, affirming Vietnam's position and responsibility in the United Nations. It also provides an opportunity to showcase the image of the Vietnamese people and nation to international friends.