📅 holiday

Visakhabousa Day

Friday, May 15, 2026

— days to go

Visakhabousa Day is celebrated by many in Laos to commemorate the day they believe that Buddha was born. It is also considered the day of his enlightenment experience and of his death. In 2027, Visakhabousa Day falls on Thursday 20 May. The holiday will be on Tuesday 2 May in 2028. Since the date is based on the Buddhist lunar calendar, it shifts each year on the Gregorian Calendar. However, it usually falls sometime in mid-May. Religiously inclined Buddhists take the opportunity on Visakhabousa Day to visit a local temple, listen to a sermon, and to give offerings, worship ancestors, or perform “merit-making” rituals. Rituals include rising early in the morning to go to temple, circling the main hall of the temple while holding a lit candle, and offering incense or lotus blooms. Many businesses close for the day, and all schools and government offices will shut down. Businesses are not allowed to serve alcoholic beverages for a full day. And many buildings fly “the yellow flag of Buddhism”.

History

Since the date is based on the Buddhist lunar calendar, it shifts each year on the Gregorian Calendar This observance marks an important moment in history, observed annually as a day of reflection and commemoration.

How It's Celebrated

Visakhabousa Day is celebrated by many in Laos to commemorate the day they believe that Buddha was born. The holiday will be on Tuesday 2 May in 2028. Religiously inclined Buddhists take the opportunity on Visakhabousa Day to visit a local temple, listen to a sermon, and to give offerings, worship a

Other Years

2027 Thu

20 May

2028 Tue

2 May

2026 Fri

15 May

2025 Sun

11 May

Countries

🇱🇦 LA

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📅 holiday Feb 10

Feast of St Paul's Shipwreck

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📅 holiday Feb 23

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📅 holiday Mar 19

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CHESVA +1

📅 holiday Mar 30

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