Here is a list of major Buddhist holidays for calendar year 2008. The dates for many Buddhist holidays are determined by the phase of the moon rather than by calendar, so these dates are accurate only for 2008. Also note that many holidays are observed at different times by the various schools of Buddhism.
Mahayana New Year, January 22-25
In countries that are predominately Mahayana Buddhist, the new year begins on the first full moon day of January.Chinese and Tibetan Buddhist New Year, February 7
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Nirvana Day (Parinirvana), February 8 or 15
Parinirvana -- Nirvana Day -- is observed primarily by Mahayana Buddhists, most commonly on February 15th. The day commemorates the death of the historical Buddha and his entry into Nirvana.
Nirvana Day is a time for contemplation of the Buddha's teachings. Some monasteries and temples hold meditation retreats. Others open their doors to laypeople, who bring gifts of money and household goods to support monks and nuns.
Sangha Day (Makha Bucha), February 20
Observed primarily in Thailand, Makha Bucha Day commemorates a day when 1,250 monks, all from different places and on their on initiative, spontaneously came to pay homage to the historical Buddha. (Buddhists in other parts of Asia schools of Buddhism commemorate the event in March, as Magha Puja Day.) On this day, Thai Buddhists gather at sunset in their local temples to participate in candlelight processions.Sangha Day (Magha Puja) March 21
Sangha Day is also called "Fourfold Assembly" day. Buddhists attend services at temples and offer food and other gifts to monks. It is also common to walk around a shrine or Buddha image three times as a gesture of respect for the Three Jewels -- the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha. See also Makha Bucha Day.Buddha's Birthday (Vesak), April 8
Theravada New Year, April 20-23
For Theravada Buddhists, the new year begins on the first full moon day of April.Buddha's Birthday (Visakha Puja) May 20
To commemorate the birth of the historical Buddha, Theravadins take part in processions carrying candles, flowers and incense. Mahayana Buddhists usually observe the Buddha's birthday in April.Hungry Ghosts Festival (Ulambana), July and August
Hungry ghosts are allegorical creatures from one of the Six Realms. They have huge, empty stomachs, but they have pinhole mouths, and their necks are so thin they cannot swallow, so their hunger is never satisfied. The karma of craving and greed will cause rebirth as a hungry ghost.During the festival days in many Asian countries, it is believed the dead wander unseen among the living and must be appeased by food and other offerings.
