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Vesak (from the name of the second month in the Hindu
calendar) is the most holy time in the Buddhist calendar. Vesak is also known as Visakah Puja in India, Wesak in Sri Lanka, and as
Buddha Purnima in Thailand.
It commemorates the birth, Enlightenment and passing of Gautama
Buddha on the one historical day, the first full moon day in May, except in a leap year when the festival is held in
June.
It is celebrated throughout Southeast Asia where Theravada Buddhism is prevalent. In Thailand, Buddhists celebrate Vesak with mass
releases of caged birds, sacred chants, fasting and other religious observances.
A similar holiday, called Hanamatsuri or "Flower Festival", is celebrated in Japan on April 8. However,
Hanamatsuri commemorates only the Buddha's birth.
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