International Day of Vesak


An international day of Vesak recognised by the United Nations became a reality only on 15 December 1999. Older English writings have used 'Wesak' for Vesak. Vesak falls on the full moon day of May. The proposal to declare Vesak as an international public holiday was tabled at the United Nations General Assembly by Sri Lanka. Vesak is the most important Buddhist holiday in the Buddhist calendar that celebrates three important events—the birth, full awakening, and the passing away—of the historical Buddha Siddhartha Gautama.
United Nations Day of Vesak is now internationally celebrated including in the UN offices and UNESCO.
International celebrations since 2000 included the first Vesak celebration in the UN on 15 May 2000. 34 countries were represented.
Asian Summit Dates:
Thailand has hosted an international Vesak summit 11 times, Vietnam 3 times and Sri Lanka 1 time.