The birthday of Buddha

 Buddhist holiday of Vesak :
Popularly known as the birthday of Buddha, the festival of Vesak - the time of Buddhists from around the world, when they get together and celebrate the birth, enlightenment and passing away of Gautama Buddha parinirvana. Celebrations range from meditation and silent prayers, almsgiving to the monks in the long colorful processions. In Indonesia, these activities take place near the Temple of Borobudur Mahayana, making it the most visited attraction in the country. Vesak is celebrated each year on the full moon in May or June.

Buddhists carrying candles around the statue of Buddha in the temple of Vesak in the province of Nakhon Pathom on the outskirts of Bangkok on May 17. This year marks the 2600th anniversary of Buddha's enlightenment. Picture taken with a long exposure.

 Buddhist monks at a ceremony in Vesak at Wat Dharmmakayya Patum Thani Province on the outskirts of Bangkok.

 Indonesian Muslim, with Buddhists produce light in the temple of Borobudur in Magelang Vesak in May 17. Indonesian Buddhists celebrate Vesak every year at this temple, making it the most visited object in the country. Celebration takes place during the full moon in May or June, and the principal ceremonies are conducted in three Buddhist temples, which are the pilgrims from Menduta in Pavon. The route terminates in the temple of Borobudur.

 Buddhists meditate to Vesak at Wat Dharmmakaya Patum Thani Province on the outskirts of Bangkok.

 Buddhist monks pray at a temple of Borobudur in Magelang.

 Huge decoration in honor of Vesak at the annual Buddhist festival in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

 Buddhists in meditation in the temple of Borobudur in the Vesak - Buddha's Birthday.

 The general form of illuminating the temple of Borobudur, around which the monks walk in celebration of Vesak.

Buddhist monks joined the procession from the temple at Borobudur Mendut in Magelang.

Buddhists lit candles in the temple of Borobudur in the Vesak. Indonesian Buddhists celebrate Vesak each year during the full moon in May or June.

 Buddhists produce lights in the temple of Borobudur.

 Buddhists came to the temple for a religious ceremony in the Vesak.

 Buddhists carrying candles in the temple of Wat Dharmmakayya the celebration of the birth of Buddha Vesak.

Buddhist monks are washed and showered with a statue of a lying Buddha in the temple Dhammadipa Aram in Malang Province Vostoyanaya Java, Indonesia.

Buddhist monk with the radio gives out instructions before prayer in honor of Vesak in the province Patum Thani in Bangkok.

 Indonesian gives alms to monks during a procession in honor of Vesak in Magelang.

 Pitchman lanterns on the eve of Vesak Festival, Colombo, Sri Lanka. Country with the Buddhist religion celebrated the birth of Buddha, called Vesak. This thrice blessed day for Buddhists celebrate the birth, enlightenment and passing away in parinirvana Buddha. On this day, lanterns from bamboo sticks and colorful paper hung in homes and decorate their streets.

 Buddhist monks at the ceremony of offering alms to the commercial district of Bangkok. 12,600 monks came to the ceremony in honor of Vesak - the annual celebration of the birth, enlightenment and passing away in vparinirvanu the great Buddha. This ceremony was organized in honor of the Buddha and the moral support of Buddhist monks and novices from the troubled southern provinces of Thailand. This year, took the 2600 anniversary of Buddha's enlightenment.

 Thousands of Buddhist monks walk past the faithful during the ceremony of almsgiving in Bangkok.

Buddhist monk prays at a temple of Borobudur during the celebration of Vesak.

 Buddhists candlelight walk around the temple of Wat Dharmmakayya of Vesak in the province Patum Thani.

Full moon over the temple of Borobudur in the Vesak.

 Believers throw petals at the statue of Buddha during the festival of Vesak, also known as Purnima, in the Indian city of Ahmedabad.

 Believer prays at a Buddhist temple at the festival Purnima (Vesak) in Chandigarh, India.Believer prays at a Buddhist temple at the festival Purnima (Vesak) in Chandigarh, India.

Buddhist monks from Bangladesh on the street at a ceremony in honor of the religious week, coinciding with the Wesak, in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

 Buddhist monks distributing sacred flowers during the procession from the temple of Borobudur temple in Mendut.

Buddhists release lanterns during the celebration of Vesak in the town of Magelang, Central Java Province. It is believed that the temple was built in the 8th century, it became a center of prayer and worship to the Buddha in the Vesak - the day of birth, enlightenment and passing away of the Buddha in parinirvana, celebrated by Buddhists around the world.