Tuesday, 17May2011. Its a public holiday in Malaysia. Observed traditionally by Buddhists in Malaysia, among other countries, Wesak(Vesak) Day, which in Sanskrit, Vesakha, is sometimes called Buddha’s Birthday. According to the info found in Wikipedia, the occassion actually encompasses the birth, enlightenment (nirvāna), and passing away (Parinirvāna) of Gautama Buddha.
Other than malaysia, Wesak is also celebrated by budhists in Nepal, Sri Lanka, and the South East Asian countries of Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Burma, and Indonesia. Each country celebrates this special day on a different date, within May or early June.
In Japan, Wesak is known as many names like, Kanbutsu-e, Goutan-e, Busshou-e, Yokubutsu-e, Ryuge-e, Hana-eshiki. The celebration is based on a legend that a dragon appeared in the sky on Gautama Buddha’s birthday and poured soma (ritual drink)over him. Its not a public holiday though.
In Malaysia, the celebration is highlighted by a candle procession. The celebration begins at dawn when devotees gather at the temples to meditate on the Eight Precepts, an injunction ruled by Budha as to a good moral conduct .Donations, giving food to the needy, offerings of incense, joss sticks and prayers are carried out.
Im yet to study more interesting legends about this special celebration.
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