On what day is Buddha's birthday? That's simple. Just calculate the first full moon day of the sixth month of the Buddhist lunar calendar, which would be the fourth month of the Chinese calendar, except in years in which there's an extra full moon, and then Buddha's birthday falls in the seventh month. Well, except where it starts a week earlier. And in Tibet it's usually a month later. Oh, and in Japan, Buddha's birthday always is April 8.
Or, you could follow the guide below. For more about how Buddha's birthday is celebrated, see "Buddha's Birthday." For dates for the current year, see the Buddhist Holiday Calendar.
Buddha's Birthday in South Korea
These costumed ladies are taking part in the gala Buddha's Birthday parade and pageant held annually in Seoul, South Korea.
In South Korea, Buddha's birthday is a gala weeklong celebration that ends on the first full moon day of the lunar month Vesakha, which usually falls in May. This full moon day is the most commonly observed date for Buddha's birthday. Dates for upcoming Buddha's birthdays are:
2017: May 3
2018: May 22
2019: May 12
Throughout South Korea, city streets and temples are decorated with lanterns. At Jogyesa Temple in Seoul, the first day begins with religious ceremonies followed by a street fair near the temple. In the evening a gala lantern parade stretches for miles through the heart of Seoul.