In Western countries, people prepare for Vesak by cleaning and decorating their homes. Most Buddhists visit a temple or monastery on this important day for services and teachings. They also participate in prayer, meditation and mantra chanting. It is traditional to give the monks offerings of food, flowers and candles.
There is a special ritual performed at Vesak called ‘Bathing the Buddha’. It begins with a statue of Buddha being taken outside at night. People walk around the statue three times carrying candles. Finally they pour scented water over its shoulders. This custom signifies purification of the mind.
Buddhists all over the world observe Vesak in different ways. In Thailand the festival is called ‘Vaisakha’. Celebrations often include
