The great sage Buddha has a deep connection with India. Lord Buddha attained Bodhi in Bodhgaya in Bihar in India. Also, the great emperor Ashoka took to Buddhism after a brief period of merciless slaughter of mankind. It was king Ashoka who promoted Buddhism throughout the country. Since then, India has been witnessing several Buddhist festivals India. Find below some of the famous Buddhist festivals in India.
List of the 13 Buddhist Festivals That You Must Celebrate In India:
1. Buddha Purnima or Buddha Jayanti
Buddha Purnima is celebrated to mark the birthday of Lord Buddha. Also, many people believe Lord Buddha to be the ninth Avatar of Hindu God Vishnu. This is one of the most famous Buddhist festivals in India. This festival is celebrated on the Full-moon day of either April or May.
Also, this day is believed to be the day when Lord Buddha attained Nirvana or enlightenment and became Buddha. Besides, he had even passed on the same day. Moreover, people also call this day Vesak or Visakha.
People decorate the monasteries and shrines with flowers all over India. The devotees visit these Buddhist temples to pray to Lord Buddha.
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| Aspect | Details |
| Festival Name | Buddha Purnima |
| Description | Buddha Purnima marks the birth, enlightenment, and death (Parinirvana) of Gautama Buddha. It is a major Buddhist festival celebrated with great reverence and devotion. |
| Date | Typically falls on the full moon day (Purnima) in the Hindu lunar month of Vaishakha, which usually occurs in April or May. The exact date varies each year according to the lunar calendar. |
| Celebrations | – Temple visits: Devotees visit Buddhist temples to offer prayers, light candles, and incense, and meditate. |
| – Buddhist teachings: Sermons and teachings on the life and teachings of Buddha are shared. | |
| – Processions: Colorful processions may be held at major Buddhist pilgrimage sites like Bodh Gaya, Sarnath, and Kushinagar. | |
| – Special events: Some temples host cultural performances and discussions on Buddhist philosophy. | |
| Key Locations | – Bodh Gaya: The place of Buddha’s enlightenment, with the Mahabodhi Temple as a key site for celebrations. |
| – Sarnath: Where Buddha delivered his first sermon, with celebrations at the Dhamek Stupa and nearby temples. |
2. Lumbini Festival
The Lumbini festival is a famous Buddhist Festival in India. This festival takes place in Nagarjunasagar in the state of Andhra Pradesh every year. It is a 3-day long festival. Also, people celebrate the heritage of Buddhism these days. So, they named it after the birthplace of Lord Buddha.
Moreover, the Andhra Pradesh Tourism ministry organizes this festival to welcome Buddhist Craftsmen and Pilgrims to the state. Thus, it helps to boost the tourism of the state. Besides, Buddhism was a major religion in Andhra Pradesh 2000 years back. So, the people of the state memorialize the 2000-year-old history. Read Also: Top 10 Most Famous Temples of Andhra Pradesh.
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| Aspect | Details |
| Festival Name | Lumbini Festival |
| Date | January |
| Location | Nagarjunasagar, Telangana |
| Significance | Celebrates the birth of Lord Buddha and showcases the rich Buddhist heritage. |
| Key Highlights | – Cultural programs including dance, music, and drama.
Exhibition of Buddhist artifacts and crafts. Traditional rituals and religious ceremonies. |
| Transportation | – Nearest airport: Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad.
From Hyderabad, travel by road to Nagarjunasagar. Local transport options include buses and taxis. |
| Safety Measures | – Follow safety guidelines in crowded areas.
Keep your belongings secure. Maintain social distancing and wear masks if required. |
| Other Attractions | – Visit the Nagarjunakonda Museum and ancient Buddhist sites in the area.
Explore the nearby Nagarjunasagar Dam and scenic surroundings. |
3. Losar Festival
Losar Festival is one of the most popular Buddhist festivals in India. This festival marks the arrival of the Tibetan New Year. It is celebrated with great enthusiasm in several places in India. Also, the people of Ladakh consider this to be an important festival. Moreover, people from all over India visit Ladakh to relish the Buddhist culture. Also, one can see a large crown in Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim. Many people from abroad take India-Nepal tours during this time.
Tibetan people wear new clothes and visit their friends and families. Besides, there are special delicacies like Khapse, Guthuk, and many more items. Also, the most popular feature of this festival is the famous Cham Dance. Monks of the monasteries consider this special masked dance as a medium of meditation. So, they perform this dance with great zeal. The dance signifies the win of good over evil. This dance has great importance for the Tibetans. Read More: 10 Most Popular Festivals and Events of Ladakh.
| Aspect | Details |
| Name of Festival | Losar Festival |
| Celebration Time | Typically falls around February or March |
| Duration | 15 days (main celebrations last 3 days) |
| Significance | Tibetan New Year, marks the beginning of a new year in the Tibetan calendar. |
| Locations | Predominantly celebrated in regions with Tibetan Buddhist influence, such as Ladakh, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, and parts of Himachal Pradesh. |
| Main Celebrations | – Traditional rituals and prayers in monasteries.
Offerings and lighting of lamps for good fortune. Traditional dances like the Cham dance. Exchanging gifts and greetings. Special dishes such as thukpa, momos, and butter tea are prepared. |
| Transport & Access | – Access locations via air, road, or train.
Travel may be affected by weather, particularly in mountainous regions. |
| Other Attractions | – Monasteries like Hemis, Thiksey, and Diskit are often included in festival celebrations. Nearby attractions include natural beauty like Pangong Lake, Nubra Valley, and Zanskar Valley. |
4. Ullambana Festival
This is a unique Buddhist festival celebrated in India. The festival takes place on the 15th day of the 7th month as per the lunar calendar. People consider this to be a ghost festival. This festival has an interesting story behind it. As per the story, Lord Buddha once saved his disciple’s mother from a ghost. Since that time, people have been celebrating this festival to save themselves from satanic powers or evil souls.
Besides, the Buddhists believe that the “Gates of the Hell” opens on this day. They think it is because the dead souls visit their loved ones on this day. So, they offer food to the dead souls. They think that in this way they can bring good fortune to their lives. All in all, the festival emphasizes prayers to the ancestors and elders in the families. Read Also: India promotes post covid trains to visit Buddhist Heritage Sites.
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| Aspect | Details |
| Name | Ullambana Festival |
| Alternate Names | Ghost Festival, Ancestor’s Day |
| Date | Celebrated on the 15th day of the 7th lunar month (usually August or September) |
| Location | Celebrated in various parts of India, especially in areas with a strong Buddhist presence and Chinese or Vietnamese communities |
| Significance | Honors deceased ancestors and spirits; believed to provide relief to the souls in the afterlife |
| Rituals | – Offerings of food and drinks to spirits Prayers and chanting for the deceased Ceremonial burning of joss paper or ghost money Merit-making activities such as donations to monks or the temple |
| Activities | – Visiting temples and participating in ceremonies Offering incense and food to ancestors Lighting lanterns to guide spirits back to their realm Observing traditional performances or cultural events |
| What to Wear | Modest and respectful attire; darker colors may be appropriate for mourning |
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5. Magha Puja Day or Sangha Day
Magha Puja Day takes place on a Full-moon or Purnima Day of March in India. On this day, 1250 Buddhists came to pray to Lord Buddha. So, this day has a great significance in the lives of Buddhists. Also, it is a Buddhist festival to cherish the Buddhist community. So, people perform several practices of the Buddhist religion.
Besides, Lord Buddha delivered the Recitation of the Patimokkhaon this day. So, people recite the same throughout the day. Also, they light lamps to practice meditation and chant the Buddha mantra. Besides, they exchange gifts and visit Buddhist temples. The main objective of the festival is to keep one’s mind pure and perform good things.
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| Feature | Description |
| Festival Name | Magha Puja Day |
| Date | Typically in February during the full moon of Magha (the third month in the Indian calendar) |
| Significance | Celebrates the gathering of 1,250 enlightened monks to hear Buddha speak and proclaiming the basic principles of Buddhism |
| Main Activities | – Chanting of Buddhist scriptures
Offering alms to monks and the poor Walking in candlelit processions around temples Practicing meditation and prayer |
| Food and Drink | – Offerings may include traditional vegetarian meals
Follow local customs and eat mindfully if participating in the celebration |
| Transportation | – Use public transport, such as trains or buses, to reach key locations
Plan your travel in advance as festivals can lead to heavy traffic and crowded transport |
6. Hemis Festival
This is one of the most famous Buddhist festivals in India. It takes place in the Hemis monastery Hemis in Ladakh on the 10th day of the lunar month Tse-Chu as per the Tibetan calendar. It marks the birthday of Lord Padmasambhava. Buddhists believe that the sage had conquered evil powers. The festival is celebrated for 2 days with large processions and performances. The 2-day event takes place in the Hemis monastery itself.
People decorate the monastery along with the town. People from all over the town visit the monastery to pray to Lord Padmasambhava. Also, Lamas perform the Chaam dance to the beats of drums and cymbals. People even play longhorns. Read Also: Hemis Festival 2023 Ladakh Detailed Information – Date, Attractions.
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| Aspect | Details |
| Festival Name | Hemis Festival |
| Location | Hemis Monastery, Ladakh |
| Date | Typically in June or early July |
| Dress Code | Traditional Ladakhi attire is encouraged for participants. Visitors should dress respectfully. |
| Things to See | – Intricate thangka paintings and murals in the monastery
Traditional costumes and masks worn during performances Local handicrafts and art stalls |
| Tips for Visitors | – Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot for the dances and performances
Bring a sun hat and sunscreen as the festival takes place outdoors Respect the local culture and traditions during your visit Consider bringing binoculars for a closer view of the performances |
| Transport | Regular bus services from Leh to Hemis Monastery, or you can hire a taxi for convenience. |
7. Rumtek Chaam
Rumtek Monastery is a famous monastery in Sikkim. Being a major Buddhist temple, it is also known as Dhamrachakra Centre. The festival takes place 2 days before the arrival of the Tibetan New Year. Buddhists of Sikkim celebrate Rumtek Chaam to pay respect to Guru Padmasambhava or Guru Rimpoche. They believe that Guru Rimpoche introduced Buddhism to Sikkim. So, they celebrate this festival with great zeal and happiness.
Like Hemis and Losar, Chaam dance is a distinct feature of this festival. Monks of the monasteries wear masks and perform this dance. It is to symbolize the triumph of good over evil. Also, people decorate their houses and wear new clothes. They make special delicacies at home. Besides, there is an exchange of gifts. Read Also: 5 Most Popular Festivals Celebrated in Sikkim.
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| Aspect | Details |
| Festival Name | Rumtek Chaam Festival |
| Location | Rumtek Monastery, Sikkim, India |
| Time of Celebration | Annually during the 10th day of the Tibetan lunar month (usually falls in January or February) |
| Visitor Tips | – Arrive early to secure a good viewing spotDress warmly as it can be cold during this time of year in SikkimRespect the customs and traditions of the monasteryPhotography may be restricted during certain rituals, so check beforehand |
| Transportation | – Accessible by road from Gangtok (24 km away)Taxis and buses are available for transportation |
8. Asalha Puja Day or Dharma Day
Asalha Puja or Dharma Day is a famous Buddhist festival in India. It takes place on the Full moon day of the 8th lunar month. Lord Buddha delivered his first teaching after attaining enlightenment on this day in a deer park in Varanasi. This first sermon that was given to five ascetics is also known as Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta. So, the Buddhists celebrate this Dharma day by being spiritually close to Lord Buddha.
People spend the Dharma day reading Lord Buddha’s teachings. Also, they chant mantras and light lamps to meditate. Besides, monks celebrate this day by starting their rain retreat. They remain confined to the monasteries and do meditation. Their retreat ends on Pavarana Day.
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| Aspect | Details |
| Festival | Asalha Puja Day Festival |
| Date | Typically celebrated in July, on the full moon day of the lunar month Asalha (usually in June or July). |
| Significance | Commemorates the day Buddha delivered his first sermon, known as the “Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta” (Turning of the Wheel of Law). |
| Key Locations | Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh – Site of Buddha’s first sermon; major celebrations held here.
Bodh Gaya, Bihar – A significant pilgrimage site where the Mahabodhi Temple is located. |
9. Pavarana Day
Parvana marks the end of a 3-months rain retreat for the monks. It takes place on the Full-moon day of the 11th lunar month of the Tibetan calendar. During the 3 monthly rain retreats, monks discuss the many aspects of monastic life. People give alms and food to the monks on this day.
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| Aspect | Details |
| Date | The festival is celebrated on the full moon day of the Hindu lunar month of Ashvin (usually in October). |
| Key Locations | – Bodh Gaya: The sacred site of Buddha’s enlightenment.
Sarnath: A key pilgrimage site where Buddha delivered his first sermon. Dharamshala: A center of Tibetan Buddhism with many monasteries. Ladakh: Known for its rich Buddhist heritage and beautiful monasteries. |
| Visitor Tips | – Dress modestly when visiting temples or monasteries. Respect the customs and traditions of the monks and local community.
Participate in meditation and prayer sessions for a more immersive experience. Consider making a donation to support the local temple or monastery. |
10. Uposatha
Buddhists celebrate 4 days every month to keep fasting. These days are known as Uposatha. The 4 days are full moons, new moons, and quarter moons. Also, people read Buddhist scriptures and meditate these days. As per Buddhism, Uposatha days are cleansing of the mind.
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| Category | Information |
| Name | Uposatha Festival |
| Significance | Observance of specific days each month for practicing Buddhism. |
| Frequency | Typically occurs four times a month, based on the lunar calendar. |
| Type of Celebration | Meditation, prayers, fasting, and reflection on teachings. |
| Locations | Celebrated in Buddhist monasteries and temples across India. |
| Key Activities | Devotees often spend the day in silence, meditation, and chanting. Monks may recite the Pātimokkha, a set of monastic rules. |
| Food | Observance often involves fasting or restricted meals. |
| Tips for Visitors | – Respect the silence and meditative atmosphere in temples and monasteries. \ |
| – Participate in meditation and prayer if possible, but observe quietly if unfamiliar. |
11. Tamu Lhochhar
Tamu Lhocchar marks the New Year of the Gurung community in Sikkim. Also, many people from other north-east places celebrate this festival. This is a grand festival for the Mahayana sect of the Buddhist religion.
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| Aspect | Details |
| Festival Name | Tamu Lhochhar |
| Location | Primarily celebrated in Sikkim and parts of West Bengal (e.g. Darjeeling and Kalimpong) |
| Celebrated By | Gurung community (also known as Tamu people) |
| Time of Year | Usually falls in December or January (lunar calendar) |
| Significance | Marks the Gurung New Year; a time to reflect on past experiences and make new resolutions |
| Visitor Tips | Respect local customs and dress appropriately; enjoy local food and performances; participate in community events |
12. Kathina Ceremony
Kathina is a Buddhist festival in India. It takes place at the end of the 3month rain retreats. During this festival yellow robes called Mathothingan are given to the sangha. This is a 2500-year-old Theravada Buddhist tradition.
There is an interesting story behind this festival. Once, 30 monks visited Buddha after their 3-months rain retreat in Shravasti. Their robes were worn out. So, Lord Buddha started the Kaṭhina ceremony with some ground rules.
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| Aspect | Details |
| Festival Name | Kathina Ceremony |
| Date | Falls in the month of Ashvina (around October/November) on the full moon day after the Pavarana period. |
| Location | Predominantly celebrated in
Buddhist monasteries across India. Notable locations include Bodh Gaya, Sarnath, and Kushinagar. |
| Significance | Commemorates the end of the rainy season retreat (Vassa) and involves the offering of robes to monks. |
| Activities | – Offerings of robes and other gifts to monks. |
| – Ceremonial chanting and prayers. | |
| – Monastic alms giving and processions. | |
| Visitor Tips | – Check local schedules for specific timings and locations. |
| – Dress conservatively and respectfully, keeping in mind the religious setting. | |
| Other Notes | – Visitors can learn more about the history and culture of the Kathina ceremony through interactions with local monks and practitioners. |
13. Parinirvana Day
Buddhists celebrate this festival to mark the death of Lord Buddha. As per Buddhism, no one should mourn the death of anyone. So, Buddhists celebrate this day to cherish this ideology. Besides, people go to Buddhist temples to pray for the peace of the deceased ones.
Also, the main objective of this festival is to focus on the lesson taught by Lord Buddha. That is ‘everything in this life is impermanent. Thus, it teaches one to renounce worldly affairs or things. Also, the famous Buddhist temple Parinirvana Stupa in Kushinagar attracts many devotees on this day. People read Buddhist scriptures and chant mantras on this day.
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| Aspect | Details |
| Festival Name | Parinirvana Day |
| Other Names | Nirvana Day |
| Date | February 15th (may vary depending on the lunar calendar) |
| Celebrated At | Major Buddhist sites such as Kushinagar (Uttar Pradesh) |
| Activities | Prayers and meditation at Buddhist temples and stupas |
| Visitor Tips | – Dress modestly and respectfully when visiting temples |
| – Maintain silence during prayers and meditation sessions | |
| Nearby Attractions | Kushinagar: Mahanirvana Temple and the reclining Buddha statue |
| Accommodation | Options available in nearby towns, including guesthouses and hotels |
| Travel Tips | – Arrange transportation in advance, as major Buddhist sites can be crowded |
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Great article about Buddha very informative thanks for sharing