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Birth of the Buddha (c. 563–483 BCE)
Wesak Day or the Birth of the Buddha is celebrated by Mahayana Buddhists in many places on 8th April each year. The date may differ in some parts of the world. It is a commemoration of the birth of the Buddha, who lived from about 563BCE until about 483BCE. (Although dates are not known exactly, it is believed that he died at the age of 80 years.)
Siddhartha Gautama, who became known as the Buddha, or "enlightened one," was an Indian prince who left his family at the age of 29 to seek the true meaning of life. After years of wandering, meditation, and self-denial, he attained the enlightenment he sought at a place now called Buddha Gaya or Bodh Gaya.
Buddhism, the religion based on his teachings spread throughout central and Southeast Asia, China, Japan, and Korea, and has also attracted followers in the West. It is celebrated on this day in the Mahayana Buddhist tradition, based on the Japanese Buddhist calendar.
Although Buddhists follow their own approaches to their religion, many recognise the founder of their movement on this day with special prayers.
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