Buddhist Holidays
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Buddhist calendar for 2014
Feb Sat 8Parinirvana - Nirvana day
Mahayana Buddhist festival marking the anniversary of Buddha's death. Pure Land Buddhists call the festival "Nirvana Day". Parinirvana is celebrated by some Buddhists on February 8th.
Feb Sat 15
Nirvana day (alternative date)
Nirvana Day is also known as Parinirvana and is celebrated by some Buddhists on February 8th. Nirvana Day is the celebration of Buddha's death when he reached total Nirvana, at the age of 80.
Apr Tue 15
Theravada New Year
New Year festival for Theravada Buddhists, celebrated for three days from the first full moon day in April
May Wed 14
Wesak or Buddha day
The most important of the Buddhist festivals. It celebrates the Buddha's birthday, and, for some Buddhists, also marks his enlightenment and death. Pictures of Wesak celebrations in Manchester
Jul Sat 12
Asala - Dharma Day
The anniversary of the start of Buddha's teaching - his first sermon ,"The Wheel of Truth", after his enlightenment.
Dec Mon 8
Bodhi Day
On Bodhi day some Buddhists celebrate Gautama's attainment of enlightenment under the Bodhi tree at Bodhgaya, India.
Buddhist calendar for 2015
Feb Sun 8Parinirvana - Nirvana day
Mahayana Buddhist festival marking the anniversary of Buddha's death. Pure Land Buddhists call the festival "Nirvana Day". Parinirvana is celebrated by some Buddhists on February 8th.
Feb Sun 15
Nirvana day (alternative date)
Nirvana Day is also known as Parinirvana and is celebrated by some Buddhists on February 8th. Nirvana Day is the celebration of Buddha's death when he reached total Nirvana, at the age of 80.
Dec Tue 8
Bodhi Day
On Bodhi day some Buddhists celebrate Gautama's attainment of enlightenment under the Bodhi tree at Bodhgaya, India.