Commonly
called "Budda's birthday," Vesak Day is a time for Buddhists worldwide
to come together and celebrate the birth, enlightenment, and death of
Buddha. The commemorations range from meditations and quiet prayers to
alms giving events to long colorful processions. In Indonesia, such
events take place at the Borobudur Mahayana Buddhist monument, making
it the most visited tourist attraction in the country. Vesak is observed
every year during the full moon occurring in May or June. -- Lloyd Young
Buddhists
carry candles while encircling a large Buddha statue during Vesak Day,
an annual celebration of Buddha's birth, enlightenment and death, at a
temple in Nakhon Pathom province on the outskirts of Bangkok May 17.
This year marks 2600th anniversary of Buddha's enlightenment. The image
was taken using a long exposure. (Chaiwat Subprasom/Reuters)
