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Vesak
Vesak (Veshaka) is a traditional Buddhist holiday also known as Buddha Jayanti, Buddha Day, or Buddha Purnima. It is widely celebrated in South Asia and Southeast Asian countries including the countries of Mongolia and Tibet.
Vesak Definition and Meaning
Vesak is a sacred event celebrated by Buddhists that commemorate the birth, enlightenment, and death of Buddha.
Vesak or Wesak is a significant Theravada (a form of Buddhism) festival that is celebrated by various traditional services and practicing deeds that are intended to be commendable.
When Is Vesak?
Vesak is celebrated during the first full moon of the month of May based on the lunar calendar. However, this may vary due to the diversity of Buddhism and is based according to each country’s tradition and culture. In some cases, Vesak may be celebrated in the month of June as well but this 2023 it is commemorated on May 5th.
Vesak History
The origin of Vesak started in 1950, as the conference of the World Fellowship of Buddhists formalized the celebration of Buddha’s birthday, however, it was officially acknowledged as an international holiday by the United Nations in the year 1999. Aside from that this is to identify that Buddhism is one of the oldest religions in the world. Buddha or Prince Siddhartha Gautama was born either in the 4th, 5th, or 6th century and was a spiritual and religious teacher who spread messages about goodwill, kindness, and compassion and founded Buddhism that gained millions of devotees.
Vesak Purpose, Importance
Buddha is a revered individual who founded Buddhism, one of the oldest religions in the world. That said, Vesak is commemorated to honor his life, enlightenment, death, and his message of peace to mankind.
Significance of the Life and Death of Buddha
As mentioned, Vesak celebrates the significance of the life and death of Buddha. Budhha has become an inspirational individual to millions of devotees around the world because of his teachings. So it is only natural to celebrate his existence, how he lived his life and inspired others, and the time he passed away.
Enlightenment
For some Buddhists, Vesak also celebrates Buddha’s enlightenment as this is the period when he discovered the meaning of life. In other terms, enlightenment is said to be the state of awakening and when the process is done, it is called Nirvana (the result or end of the process). So aside from the life and death of Budhha, Buddhist commemorates his enlightenment, thus all three as said to have happened on the same day which is Vesak.
A Day of Remembrance
Buddha is an important figure to a lot of Buddist devotees, thus Vesak is commemorated to remember and honor him. His teachings, known as Dharma include the significance of compassion, generosity, patience, and guidelines for living ethically. Thus, his teaching is remembered and reflected during Vesak as devotees meditate, bring offerings, and share their food with others.
What’s In Vesak?
During Vesak, devotees start their celebration by visiting temples before dawn and hoisting the Buddhist flag, and singing hymns. Some cultures may hold parades and processions where participants engage in a “three-step, one bow” ritual. Expect templates to be decorated, lamps, lanterns, candles illuminated, and offerings made.
How to Create a Vesak Social Media Post
Vesak is an important religious holiday that is greatly celebrated by Buddhist followers around the world. That said, create and upload a social media post to let others know more about this event.
1. Open a Vesak Facebook Post template.
Facebook is one of the most popular social media websites that anyone can use to post and reach out to family and friends or to advertise business deals. You can also use this platform to show your support for Vesak by making use of this Vesak Facebook post template. Just click on the Edit Online button to get started.
2. Change the main text.
Since the template is pre-designed, you may want to change a number of things. For example, if you wish to write down a meaningful quote or statement, to edit, click on the Fill button located on the blue side panel. From there you can change the text and select your own font style.
3. Add a paragraph.
If you wish to add an additional statement to the template, click the Text button. Select ‘Add a Paragraph’ and this will appear on the template where you can add the text. Also, you can choose your own font style and adjust the font size.
4. Add a logo image.
If you need to upload a Vesak Facebook post, for example, to update others about an upcoming school event during the said holiday, then you may want to also include the school or organization’s logo. To do this, click on the Logo button and upload the image from your device. Make sure though, that the file size does not exceed 5MB.
5. Download the template.
After editing the template, download the file by selecting the Download button. You will find this option in the upper right corner of the screen. And on the drop-down menu, select a file format before downloading.
1. Pick out a Vesak Instagram Post template.
Update your Instagram account just in time for Vesak with this Vesak Instagram post template. This well-design template can be readily customized online for easier and faster access. Just select the Edit Online button located right beside the template image.
2. Incorporate design images.
To enhance the template, you can opt to add images such as stickers, illustrations, frames and etc. To do this, click on the Graphics button on the blue side panel. You will find several options to choose from that you can incorporate into the template. However, if you have something specific in mind, you can type the keywords in the search text box.
3. Change the background color.
If you want to choose your own background color design, you can change it by clicking on the Background button. Scroll down until you find the color options and select ‘See all’. Aside from the given options, you can also create your own color scheme.
4. Add a heading.
If you are preparing this Instagram post to greet others on Vesak, then you may want to add a well-wishes statement. Just click on the Text button and you have the option to Add a heading, a sub-heading, or a paragraph. And on the top, you have the formatting toolbar to adjust the font size and style.
5. Save or print.
After you have finished editing, you can save or print the template. You may find this option in the upper right corner of the screen by clicking on the three-dotted button. During Vesak, don’t forget to upload this Vesak Instagram post and join other devotees in celebrating this meaningful event.
1. Select a Vesak WhatsApp Post template.
Don’t forget to update your WhatsApp account during Vesak with this well-designed Vesak WhatsApp post template from Template.net. If you wish to incorporate your own designs and use them as a greeting, then the template is easy to customize. To get started, click on the Edit Online button.
2. Upload a file.
If you want to upload a photo, video, or audio from your own device you can do this by selecting the Uploads button. You will find this button on the blue side panel on the left side of the screen. Just take note, that the file size should not exceed 5MB.
3. Add a schedule of activities.
If you need to use this template to update fellow WhatsApp users on any upcoming events and activities during Vesak, you can add a schedule of activities in the template. Simply, click on the Table button, and on the gallery, you will find several layouts. Select one and edit its content.
4. Add an image.
Lighten up the template by adding different kinds of images associated with Vesak and Buddha. Click on the Graphics button and on the search text box type the name of the image you are looking for. Some notable images you can use are the lotus flower, lanterns, candles, the Bodhi tree, and images of Buddha.
5. Download and upload the template.
Once you have completed editing, download the template to your computer. You will find this option by clicking on the three-dotted button located on the upper right portion of the screen. Now you have a well-designed template to upload on your WhatsApp during Vesak.
Vesak vs. Greek Independence Day
Vesak is a special and widely celebrated Buddhist holiday that commemorates the life, enlightenment, and death of the Buddha or Siddhartha Gautama.
Greek Independence Day is an annual celebration in Greece and Cyprus that commemorates the start of the War of Greek Independence against the Ottoman Empire.
Vesak Ideas & Examples
Buddha has played an important role in Buddhism not only as its founder but his teachings formed the Buddhist philosophy. Thus during Vesak, whether you are a devotee or not you can always show your respect and recognition by simply greeting others on social media or preparing a printed card with these Vesak ideas and examples.
Vesak Vector Ideas and Examples
Create a simple yet meaningful greeting card for Buddha’s special day with this well-crafted Vesak vector template.
Vesak Background Ideas and Examples
This Vesak background can be used to design wallpaper for a blog, or website or for any marketing materials such as posters and pamphlets.
Vesak Illustration Ideas and Examples
Design a fact sheet regarding Vesak with this Vesak illustration template that can be used as a background image.
Vesak Banner Ideas and Examples
Use this Vesak banner to advertise any upcoming events during the Vesak holiday that can be edited and customized.
Vesak Poster Ideas and Examples
This well-crafted minimalistic Vesak poster can be used to promote any upcoming social, business, or academic events and activities during Vesak.
Vesak Flyer Ideas and Examples
This Vesak flyer will make a great resource and advertising material to invite guests to join events such as parades, processions, and social gatherings during Vesak.
Vesak Drawing Ideas and Examples
This simple yet beautiful Vesak drawing template will make a wonderful greeting card design for both digital and paper copies.
Vesak Wallpaper Ideas and Examples
Design your email greetings with this Vesak wallpaper with this sleek and colorful design that captivates the essence of the Vesak holiday.
Vesak Clipart Ideas and Examples
This Vesak clipart idea will make your marketing materials more vibrant and colorful, take for example, you can add this to a tourism poster to invite guests to celebrate Vesak in your city.
Vesak Quote Ideas and Examples
Make use of this Vesak quote idea to design a greeting card, a poster, or a website as you celebrate the Vesak holiday.
Vesak FAQs
Why is Vesak celebrated?
Vesak is celebrated by Buddhist devotees to honor life, commemorate the enlightenment and remember the death of Lord Buddha.
Why do people wear white on Vesak?
People wear white during Vesak as this symbolizes purity.
What is the story of Vesak Day?
It was on Vesak day when Buddha was born, attained enlightenment and the year he passed away.
Which country celebrates Vesak?
Southeast Asia countries celebrate Vesak, such as Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Singapore, and those in the Indian continent such as Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bh
Why is Vesak Day different from Buddha’s birthday?
Buddha’s birthday celebrates his birth, while during Vesak not only does it celebrate Buddha’s birth, but his attainment of enlightenment and his death as well.
How is Vesak celebrated?
During Vesak, devotees decorate temples, flowers are offered, candles and incense are burned, and there are parades and processions.
What to offer to Buddha on Vesak Day?
During Vesak, you can offer flowers, candles, and incense to Buddha.
How long does Vesak last?
Vesak lasts for one day, however, for some countries and cultures, it may last for several days.
Why is Wesak important to Buddhists?
Vesak or Wesak is an important religious holiday because it honors the life of Buddha whom millions of Buddhist worship.
What are the colors of the Vesak Day Flag?
These are blue, yellow, red, white, and orange.
When did Vesak start?
It officially started during the 1950s.
Why do we bathe Buddha on Vesak Day?
The Buddha bathing ceremony reminds us to keep a pure mind and heart.
What are the rules of Vesak?
During Vesak, devotees give alms to the poor, clean their surroundings, and refrain from drinking alcohol and eating meat.
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