<strong>Borobudur Temple, Indonesia: </strong>Every spring, thousands of monks and worshippers gather at the ancient Borobudur Temple in Java, Indonesia, on the most important day on the Buddhist calendar: Buddha Day.
Borobudur Temple, Indonesia: Every spring, thousands of monks and worshippers gather at the ancient Borobudur Temple in Java, Indonesia, on the most important day on the Buddhist calendar: Buddha Day.
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<strong>Borobudur:</strong> Also known as Waisak Day or Vesak Day, the holiday marks the birth of Gautama Buddha -- the father of Buddhism, who is responsible for the religion's core teachings. Observed during the full moon in May, this holy day celebrates his birth, enlightenment to nirvana and passing.
Borobudur: Also known as Waisak Day or Vesak Day, the holiday marks the birth of Gautama Buddha -- the father of Buddhism, who is responsible for the religion's core teachings. Observed during the full moon in May, this holy day celebrates his birth, enlightenment to nirvana and passing.
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<strong>Ipoh, Malaysia: </strong>Buddhist devotees unfurl a 196-foot-long sacred "Thangka" under the sun during Vesak Day celebrations at Ipoh's Enlightened Heart Tibetan Buddhist temple. Every year, hundreds of devotees take part in this 'Sunning Buddha ritual.' According to traditional beliefs, sunning the Thangka will allow it to absorb the powers of the sun and promote peace, harmony, success and good health for the rest of the year.
Ipoh, Malaysia: Buddhist devotees unfurl a 196-foot-long sacred "Thangka" under the sun during Vesak Day celebrations at Ipoh's Enlightened Heart Tibetan Buddhist temple. Every year, hundreds of devotees take part in this 'Sunning Buddha ritual.' According to traditional beliefs, sunning the Thangka will allow it to absorb the powers of the sun and promote peace, harmony, success and good health for the rest of the year.
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<strong>Ipoh, Malaysia: </strong>A Buddhist priest wearing a traditional mask takes part in a procession during Vesak Day at the Enlightened Heart Tibetan Buddhist temple.
Ipoh, Malaysia: A Buddhist priest wearing a traditional mask takes part in a procession during Vesak Day at the Enlightened Heart Tibetan Buddhist temple.
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<strong>Colombo, Sri Lanka: </strong>Every year, Colombo's Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple hosts an incredible Vesak Day festival.
Colombo, Sri Lanka: Every year, Colombo's Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple hosts an incredible Vesak Day festival.
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<strong>Seoul, South Korea: </strong>A woman takes a selfie in front of lines of lit lanterns during a past Vesak Day festival at Seoul's Jogyesa Temple, a popular site for Buddhists celebrating Buddha's birthday.
Seoul, South Korea: A woman takes a selfie in front of lines of lit lanterns during a past Vesak Day festival at Seoul's Jogyesa Temple, a popular site for Buddhists celebrating Buddha's birthday.
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<strong>Bangkok, Thailand: </strong>Every year, temples all over Thailand alight with candles and incense as part of Vesak Day celebrations. Here, Thai Buddhist monks perform religious rites at Bangkok's Marble Temple.
Bangkok, Thailand: Every year, temples all over Thailand alight with candles and incense as part of Vesak Day celebrations. Here, Thai Buddhist monks perform religious rites at Bangkok's Marble Temple.
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<strong>Dompe, Sri Lanka: </strong>A Sri Lankan artist works on Buddhist statues ahead of the Vesak Festival in Dompe, on the outskirts of Colombo, on May 7.
Dompe, Sri Lanka: A Sri Lankan artist works on Buddhist statues ahead of the Vesak Festival in Dompe, on the outskirts of Colombo, on May 7.
ISHARA S. KODIKARA/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
<strong>Nepal: </strong>A Nepalese Buddhist devotee lights oil lamps at a temple in Kathmandu. Buddha was born in Lumbini, Nepal some 125 miles southwest of the Kathmandu valley.
Nepal: A Nepalese Buddhist devotee lights oil lamps at a temple in Kathmandu. Buddha was born in Lumbini, Nepal some 125 miles southwest of the Kathmandu valley.
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<strong>Yangon, Myanmar: </strong>Yangon's<strong> </strong>Shwedagon Pagoda, which is over 2,500 years old, hosts a number of Buddhist ceremonies to mark the birth, enlightenment and passing of Buddha.
Yangon, Myanmar: Yangon's Shwedagon Pagoda, which is over 2,500 years old, hosts a number of Buddhist ceremonies to mark the birth, enlightenment and passing of Buddha.
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<strong>Singapore: </strong>Monks leading devotees pray outside the Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery during a Buddhist ritual on the eve of Vesak Day in Singapore.
Singapore: Monks leading devotees pray outside the Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery during a Buddhist ritual on the eve of Vesak Day in Singapore.
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