This time, how countries around the world celebrated the Vesak festival, divided into two groups, some in early May and some in late May.

The 2026 Vesak festival, commemorating the triple anniversary of Gautama Buddha, is being celebrated today (May 30) with great devotion by Buddhist communities across the world, including Sri Lanka. Although the dates for Vesak celebrations vary slightly in different countries due to differences in lunar calendars and local traditions, the entire world is currently illuminated by the light of Vesak.

This year's main Vesak Day celebration in Sri Lanka falls today, and the period from May 27th to June 2nd has been declared Vesak Week. The state Vesak festival officially commenced this year in the Matara district under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, with the theme "Hasten to do good," aiming for national unity and coexistence.

Looking at worldwide Vesak Day celebrations, Myanmar concluded its Vesak festival on April 30th, while Cambodia, India, and Laos celebrated on May 1st. Countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand will celebrate their main Vesak festivals and public holidays tomorrow (May 31st), while the United Nations' international Vesak Day celebrations and official events were held in the first half of May. Currently, in addition to Sri Lanka, Vesak celebrations are being held grandly in the United States, Canada, Europe, and regions where the expatriate Sri Lankan Buddhist community resides.

Across Sri Lanka, massive Vesak lantern exhibitions, illuminated pandals depicting the life of the Buddha, and numerous 'dansals' (alms-giving stalls) have been organized for the Vesak festival. Devotees participate in Vesak celebrations, prioritizing both material and practice offerings, centered around major religious sites on the island, including Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo and Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya. This year too, steps have been taken to close all liquor stores and slaughterhouses across the island for Vesak, with special attention given to fostering kindness and unity among all.

On an international level, the candle procession held at Buddhamonthon in Thailand and the series of international Dhamma sermons extending until May 31st are noteworthy. In countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore, temples are beautifully decorated, vegetarian food is offered, and rituals such as releasing Vesak lanterns into the sky are performed. In Fort Worth, Texas, USA, a special meritorious event was held from May 2nd to 10th for the veneration of sacred relics and a Bodhi sapling brought from Sri Lanka, while festivals representing various Buddhist traditions have also been held in Mississauga, Canada, and the state of California.

Special Vesak Day messages from the United Nations Secretary-General, cultural performances held at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris, and joint Sri Lanka-Thailand programs have added international significance to this year's Vesak festival. Buddhist communities scattered across the world are once again conveying the spiritual essence of the Vesak festival to the world through common practices such as bathing Buddha statues, lighting lamps and lanterns, holding Dhamma discussions, engaging in meritorious deeds, and peaceful gatherings.