About Vesak (Buddha's Birthday)
Vesak — also called Buddha Purnima, Wesak or Buddha's Birthday — is the most sacred day in the Buddhist calendar, commemorating three great events said to have occurred on the same full-moon day: the birth, enlightenment (nirvana) and passing (parinirvana) of Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha. Observed by hundreds of millions of Buddhists across Asia and the wider world, it falls on the full moon of the lunar month of Vaisakha, usually in May. This live countdown shows how many days remain in your timezone.
Celebrations vary by country but share themes of devotion, generosity and reflection. Temples are decorated with lanterns and flowers, devotees gather to chant, meditate and listen to teachings, and many bring offerings or bathe statues of the infant Buddha. Acts of kindness are central: followers give to charity, free caged birds and animals, and share vegetarian meals. In Sri Lanka, streets glow with paper lanterns and illuminated pandals, while South Korea holds spectacular lotus-lantern parades.
Because it follows the lunar calendar, Vesak's date shifts each year and can vary by up to a month between traditions and countries, but it most often falls on the May full moon. The United Nations has recognised it internationally since 1999. When the day passes, this page counts down to the next observance — bookmark the live Vesak countdown or add it to your own countdown page.
Upcoming dates
| 2027 | Thursday, May 20, 2027next |
| 2028 | Tuesday, May 9, 2028 |
| 2029 | Sunday, May 27, 2029 |
| 2030 | Friday, May 17, 2030 |
| 2031 | Wednesday, May 7, 2031 |
FAQ
When is Vesak?
Vesak falls on the full moon of the lunar month of Vaisakha, usually in May, so the date changes each year. The countdown above shows the time remaining in your timezone.
Why is Vesak important?
It is the holiest Buddhist festival, marking the birth, enlightenment and passing of the Buddha — all traditionally believed to have happened on the same full-moon day.
How is Vesak celebrated?
With temple visits, chanting and meditation, lanterns and flowers, offerings, charitable acts such as freeing animals, and the bathing of Buddha statues.
Is Vesak the same as Buddha's Birthday?
Yes — Vesak is widely known as Buddha's Birthday, though it commemorates his birth, enlightenment and death together. Some East Asian countries observe Buddha's Birthday on a separate date.