| Vesak Day is an annual festival celebrated by | | | | captive animals. |
| practicing Buddhists in many Asian countries such as | | | | On Vesak day, devout Buddhists and followers are |
| Cambodia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, | | | | requested to assemble in their various temples |
| Sri Lanka, Taiwan and Vietnam. | | | | before dawn for the ceremonial, and honorable, |
| The Buddhists observe Vesak Day which denotes | | | | hoisting of the Buddhist flag and the singing of hymns |
| perfection and commemorates the birth, | | | | in praise of the holy triple gem: The Buddha, The |
| enlightenment and Nirvana (liberation from earthly | | | | Dharma (his teachings), and The Sangha (his disciples). |
| passions and desires) of the Buddha. | | | | The 'Bathing the Buddha' ceremony is held by most |
| During the first Conference of the World Fellowship | | | | of the temples. The baby Prince Siddhartha (the |
| of Buddhists held in Sri Lanka in 1950, it was agreed | | | | Buddha-to-be ) is placed in perfumed water with |
| to celebrate Vesak as the Buddha's birthday. | | | | flowers. The perfumed water is scooped with a ladle |
| The exact date of Vesak varies according to the | | | | and poured over the shoulders of the Buddha and |
| various lunar calendars used in different traditions. | | | | serves as a reminder to purify the mind from greed, |
| The occasion is marked by chanting, recitations and | | | | hatred and ignorance. |
| offerings at shrines; the ritualistic bathing of Prince | | | | Devotees may bring simple offerings of flowers, |
| Siddhartha's (the earthly name of the Buddha) statue; | | | | candles and joss-sticks to lay at the feet of their |
| the practice of vegetarianism; and the release of | | | | teacher. |