People can expect a lot when it comes to birthday celebrations. However, when more than 500 million people are celebrating not just the birth but also the life and death of the person as well then one can really expect great things to happen. This is why the Visakha Bucha Day is a day of great expectations not just for the Buddhists but for everybody else around the world.
More than 500 million Buddhists are expected to be celebrating Visakha Bucha Day or Vesak and which is also known as Buddha’s Birthday. This celebration also pertains to the life or enlightenment (Nirvana) and death of Gautama Siddhartha Buddha. He is the Supreme Buddha and the manifestation of God for the Buddhists. It can be expected that Buddhists gather in temples to listen to Dhamma preaching. They also meditate and wear white robes.
However, people can expect freedom of birds, animals and even insects which are in captivity. Some Buddhists would buy animals in market to participate in this symbolism of liberation. In addition, temples are open and vegetarian food and drinks are also offered. Some people offer dansala or free food for one meal, a day or two. This is in observance of Buddha’s teaching of giving and putting the needs of others before ones own. Vesak lanterns and Vesak Pandal add to the festive mood of this celebration.
Living peacefully and in loving-kindness with mankind regardless of race or religion is what Buddha teaches his people and is what the world can expect from Buddhists especially on Visakha Bucha Day.