Expert: Justin Choo - 10/29/2004

Question
What are some of the major Buddhist holidays?  Also is it true you are alowed to celibrate any holiday from any religion?

Answer
Hi Brendan,

Thank you for asking me.

By holidays, I presume you mean holy days.
The most important holy day is the Wesak Day. It falls on the full moon day of the 5th month of Vesak, which corresponds with the month of May.  It was the day when the Buddha (at that time considered as Buddha-to-be) was born.  It was the day when the Buddha-to-be gained supreme enlightenment to become the Buddha.  It was also the day when the Buddha passed away (or entered into Parinibbana).

Another holy day celebrated is the Kathina Day.  Different temples celebrate on different days. But always after the observance of the 3-month rainy retreat, which is usually around October.  At the end of this period, the monks will conduct a ceremony called Pavarana ( Conclusion) during which time a review of one another's conduct is done.  On the morning of this day, lay devotees will congregate at the temple carrying robes and other requisites for the monks.  The monks will receive a special robe called the Kathina Civara and present to the most deserving monk.

There are many other special holy days which different countries commemorate which are relevent historical events that are of significance to the particular countries.  The Sri Lankans celebrate the Poson Day on full moon day of the 4th month around April.  This was the day when Emperor Asoka sent his son Arahant Mahinda to Sri Lanka to introduce Buddhism to the island nation.  The Burmese celebrate the Upagutta Festival, their "patron saint", in December.  I suppose the Thais and the Chinese have their special days as well.

Buddhism is a religion of complete freedom.  What is important is the practice of the Buddha's teachings.  There is nothing wrong if we join in the celebration of the other religionists, so long as these celebrations are wholesome and not a nuisance to others.  It is a good practice to show respect for other's beliefs, if they are wholesome and peaceful.

Hope I have answered your question.  If you have further questions, please ask again.

Smile from justinchoo :-)