Holidays and Cultural Observances

Individuals may require time away from campus for travel and observance for the following:

• Asalha Puja Day — Buddhist observance of the day when Gautama Buddha made his first public proclamation to five ascetics at Deer Park, Banares. He taught the middle way, the noble eight-fold path and the four noble truths. 
• Bodhi Day —  Buddhist celebration of the time when Prince Gautama took his place under the Bodhi tree, vowing to remain there until he attained supreme enlightenment.
• Magha Puja Day — Buddhist celebration of the presentation of teachings by Lord Buddha to an assembly of holy men.
• New Year's Day — Many Buddhists observe the Lunar New Year celebration. Mahayana Buddhists and Theravada Buddhists, however, celebrate the New Year on other days. The Buddhist celebration is generally dependent on the country of origin or ethnic background.
• Nirvana Day — a regional observance of the death of the Buddha.
• Obon — Japanese Buddhist festival to honor deceased ancestors. Involves lighting of bonfires, traditional meals, paper lanterns, folk dances.
• Vesak (Wesak) or Buddha Day — Holiest of Buddhist holy days. It celebrates Buddha's birth, enlightenment and death. It is a public holiday in some countries.

Credit: Alphabetical listing of major observances. All descriptions taken from https://www.interfaith-calendar.org/

Video Credit: Behind The News, 2020, YouTube.