In 2026, Saka Dawa Düchen, the most important day in the Tibetan Buddhist calendar, falls on Sunday 31 May.
According to tradition, the Buddha was born on the 7th day of the fourth month of the Iron Monkey year in the Tibetan calendar, attained enlightenment on the 15th day of the fourth month of the Wood Horse year, and passed away on the 15th day of the fourth month of the Iron Dragon year.
The entire sacred month of Saka Dawa is scheduled to run from 17 May to 15 June 2026. This period is considered extremely auspicious and is observed to commemorate the birth, enlightenment and parinirvana (passing) of Shakyamuni Buddha.
On the very day of the main Saka Dawa Festival, 31 May 2026, a rare astronomical phenomenon known as a ‘Blue Moon’ is expected.
I
would like to take this opportunity to extend my best wishes for a
truly meaningful celebration of Saka Dawa (Vesaka Month) through
meditation practices.
