The Buddhist calendar

The Buddhist calendar is a lunar calendar. Lunar calendars are based on the cycles of the moon, rather than the sun. The most important Buddhist festivals are held upon days that have a full moon. This is because many Buddhists believe that the Buddha was born, enlightened and achieved Parinibbana on days with a full moon.

Buddhist festivals occur at different times during the year depending on which country they take place in, and whether they are Mahayana or Theravada festivals.

Unlike Sunday for Christians, there is no fixed day for worship within Buddhism. Many Buddhists, however, attend the temple for puja on days with a full or new moon.