Vesak Day May 18, 2011

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)

ndonesian muslim woman with Buddhist followers release a lantern into the air at the Borobudur temple during Vesak Day, commonly known as 'Buddha's birthday', at the Borobudur Mahayana Buddhist monument on May 17 in Magelang, Indonesia. Buddhists in Indonesia celebrate Vesak at the monument anually, which makes it the most visited tourist attraction in Indonesia. It is observed during the full moon in May or June, with the ceremony centred at three Buddhist temples by walking from Mendut to Pawon and ending at Borobudur. (Ulet Ifansasti/Getty Images)

Buddhist monks pray at Borobudur temple in Magelang, Indonesia. (Ulet Ifansasti/Getty Images)