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India is a land of diverse cultures and religions, and Buddhism has a special place in its spiritual heritage. The country is home to many famous Buddhist festivals, celebrated with devotion and joy. These festivals offer a glimpse into the rich traditions of Buddhism, which bring together monks, devotees, and tourists from all over the world. The popular Buddhist festivals in India provide a unique experience, whether a grand celebration at a monastery or a peaceful meditation. Witness some of the main Buddhist festivals in India and immerse yourself in the authentic charm of the culture.
10 Popular Buddhist Festivals In India
Here are some of the 10 important Buddhist festivals in India that celebrate the teachings of Lord Buddha:
1. Buddha Purnima
Photo: Amitabha Gupta / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Buddha Purnima is the most famous Buddhist festival in India, which marks the birth, enlightenment, and death of Gautama Buddha. Devotees visit monasteries, offer prayers, and participate in meditation sessions. Bodh Gaya, where Buddha attained enlightenment, hosts the grandest celebrations. The festival is also observed in Sarnath and Kushinagar, where monks perform religious rituals. Flowers and candles offer a peaceful atmosphere while people engage in acts of kindness and charity.
Location: Bodh Gaya, Sarnath, Kushinagar, Ladakh
Things To Do: Witness the grand celebrations at Mahabodhi Temple, where monks chant prayers and light thousands of lamps
2. Hemis Festival
Photo: MaryOfPrag / Wikimedia Commons
Hemis Festival is one of the cultural Buddhist festivals in India, celebrated with elegance at Hemis Monastery in Ladakh. The festival honours Guru Padmasambhava, who spread Buddhism in Tibet. The highlight is the Cham Dance, where monks wear colourful masks and elaborate costumes, which perform to the beats of traditional drums and cymbals. The monastery is beautifully decorated, and a rare silk Thangka painting of Guru Padmasambhava is displayed every 12 years.
Date: June or July
Location: Hemis Monastery, Ladakh
Things To Do: Watch the spectacular masked dances performed by monks, depicting the victory of good over evil
3. Losar Festival
Photo: Ailiajameel / Wikimedia Commons
Losar is the Tibetan New Year and one of the most popular Buddhist festivals in India. It marks the beginning of a new year according to the Tibetan calendar. The celebrations last for 15 days, with the first three days being the most important. People clean their homes, visit monasteries, and participate in prayers. Monasteries are illuminated, and families come together to share special sweets like Guthuk (barley soup).
Date: February or March
Location: Ladakh, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh
Things To Do: Experience the grand processions, traditional music, and offerings to deities
4. Lhabab Duchen
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Lhabab Duchen is one of the Buddhist main festivals in India, celebrating the descent of Buddha from heaven after teaching to his mother. It is considered a holy day for performing good deeds and meditation.The festival is celebrated in monasteries across India, with processions and prayers. The lighting of thousands of butter lamps symbolises wisdom and enlightenment, which makes it a spiritual event.
Date: October or November
Location: Bodh Gaya, Sarnath, Dharamshala
Things To Do: Take part in the lighting of butter lamps and prayers at Buddhist temples
5. Ullambana (Hungry Ghost Festival)
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Ullambana is also known as the Hungry Ghost Festival and is one of the important Buddhist festivals in India that honors the spirits of ancestors. It is believed that during this time, the souls of the ancestors visit the living world. Devotees make offerings of food, and money to ensure their ancestors’ well-being in the afterlife. Monks chant sacred scriptures, and people perform beautiful acts. The festival promotes compassion and gratitude, reminding people to care for the fortunate.
Date: August or September
Location: Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Ladakh
Things To Do: Participate in ceremonies where offerings are made to wandering spirits
6. Kagyed Dance Festival
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Kagyed Dance Festival is one of the most famous Buddhist festivals in India, and it is celebrated in Sikkim. The festival features Cham dances, where monks wear masks and perform spiritual rituals to finish evil spirits. The dances depict Buddhist teachings and stories from ancient scriptures. Devotees gather to seek blessings and participate in religious activities. The festival ends with the burning of a Statue, which symbolises the destruction of negativity.
Date: December
Location: Sikkim
Things To Do: Witness the mesmerising mask dances performed by monks in vibrant costumes
7. Saga Dawa Festival
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Saga Dawa is a famous Buddhist festival in India that marks the birth, enlightenment, and passing of Lord Buddha. It is observed with great devotion in Sikkim and Ladakh. Devotees visit monasteries, offer prayers, and engage in acts of charity. A significant part of the festival is the procession of monks carrying Buddhist scriptures and sacred Artifacts.
Date: May or June
Location: Sikkim, Ladakh
Things To Do: Join the grand procession of monks carrying sacred scriptures
8. Bhumchu Festival
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Bhumchu Festival is a unique cultural Buddhist festival in India, celebrated at Tashiding Monastery in Sikkim. The highlight of the festival is the opening of a sacred pot containing holy water, which is believed to predict the future. If the water level is high, it signifies a prosperous year, while a low level indicates hardships. Monks perform special prayers, and devotees gather to receive the blessed water. The festival promotes faith and harmony among the people.
Date: February or March
Location: Tashiding Monastery, Sikkim
Things To Do: Witness the sacred water ritual that predicts the year’s fortune
9. Thiksey Gustor Festival
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Thiksey Gustor is a popular Buddhist festival in India, celebrated at Thiksey Monastery in Ladakh. The festival includes Cham dances, where monks wear elaborate masks representing deities and demons. The dance symbolises the victory of good over evil. The monastery is decorated with prayer flags, and devotees gather to receive blessings. Traditional Ladakhi food is served, making the festival more joyful. It is a two-day festival that ends with a ritual destroying evil spirits, symbolising the victory of good.
Date: October or November
Location: Thiksey Monastery, Ladakh
Things To Do: Watch the traditional Cham dance and enjoy the festive atmosphere
10. Kalachakra Festival
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Kalachakra Festival is one of the grandest fairs of Buddhist festivals that focuses on world peace and spiritual awakening. It is led by the Dalai Lama and attracts thousands of devotees. The festival includes prayers, rituals, and teachings on Buddhist philosophy. The highlight is the creation of a beautiful sand mandala. It is a life-changing experience for those seeking spiritual growth. The festival also features cultural performances, traditional music, and sacred dances.
Location: Bodh Gaya, Dharamshala
Things To Do: Participate in teachings by His Holiness the Dalai Lama
These famous Buddhist festivals in India offer a deep spiritual experience, cultural richness, and vibrant celebrations. These festivals provide a unique glimpse into Buddhist traditions whether you seek inner peace, traditional rituals, or a chance to witness grand processions. Each celebration is a journey of enlightenment, from soothing prayer ceremonies to lively fairs and Buddhist festivals. Plan your trip with TripXL and immerse yourself in the sacred festivities.
Cover Photo: 极星 贝 / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
