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Photos | Vesak Day: celebrating the life cycle of Buddha

"Vesak", the Day of the Full Moon in the month of May, is the most sacred day to millions of Buddhists around the world. It was on the day of Vesak, in the year 623 B.C. when Buddha was born, attained enlightenment and it was on this day that Buddha in his 80th year passed away. In 1999, the UN recognized this day to acknowledge the contributions of Buddhism to the world. On this day, devotees and monks across the world gather to pray and make offerings in celebration of Lord Buddha.

Updated on: May 19, 2019 6:43 PM IST

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People fly sky lanterns during a celebration commemorating Vesak Day which marks the birth, death and enlightenment of Buddha, in Magelang, Central Java province. Vesak Day is celebrated to pay a tribute to the contribution of Gautam Buddha. It was on the day of Vesak, in the year 623 B.C. when Buddha was born, attained enlightenment and it was on this day that Buddha in his 80th year passed away. (Slamet Riyadi / AP)

Updated on May 19, 2019 6:43 PM

People fly sky lanterns during a celebration commemorating Vesak Day which marks the birth, death and enlightenment of Buddha, in Magelang, Central Java province. Vesak Day is celebrated to pay a tribute to the contribution of Gautam Buddha. It was on the day of Vesak, in the year 623 B.C. when Buddha was born, attained enlightenment and it was on this day that Buddha in his 80th year passed away. (Slamet Riyadi / AP)

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Visitors release sky lanterns during a ceremony, at the Borobudur temple, in Magelang. On this day devotees also perform various cultural activities featuring song and dance performances. (Andreas Fitri Atmoko / Indonesia Out / REUTERS)

Updated on May 19, 2019 6:43 PM

Visitors release sky lanterns during a ceremony, at the Borobudur temple, in Magelang. On this day devotees also perform various cultural activities featuring song and dance performances. (Andreas Fitri Atmoko / Indonesia Out / REUTERS)

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Visitors take photographs on their cellphones as the sky lanterns take flight outside the 9th century Borobudur temple. Some community groups also organize acts of charity, like releasing caged animals or donating food and gifts to the poor. (Andreas Fitri Atmoko / Indonesia Out / REUTERS)

Updated on May 19, 2019 6:43 PM

Visitors take photographs on their cellphones as the sky lanterns take flight outside the 9th century Borobudur temple. Some community groups also organize acts of charity, like releasing caged animals or donating food and gifts to the poor. (Andreas Fitri Atmoko / Indonesia Out / REUTERS)

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A Buddha statue is seen burning on Vesak Day in Mojokerto, East Java province. (Andreas Fitri Atmoko / Indonesia Out / REUTERS)

Updated on May 19, 2019 6:43 PM

A Buddha statue is seen burning on Vesak Day in Mojokerto, East Java province. (Andreas Fitri Atmoko / Indonesia Out / REUTERS)

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Monks pray during the commemoration of Vesak Day which marks the birth, death and enlightenment of Buddha at the Borobudur Temple. (Slamet Riyadi / AP)

Updated on May 19, 2019 6:43 PM

Monks pray during the commemoration of Vesak Day which marks the birth, death and enlightenment of Buddha at the Borobudur Temple. (Slamet Riyadi / AP)

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Devotees unveil a giant canvas of sacred "Thangka" measuring 60 meters (197 feet) by 12 meters (39 feet), under the sun during a Vesak Day celebration in Ipoh, Malaysia. Vesak Day is a global observance, as well as a public holiday recognized by the United Nations (UN) in many countries (Slamet Riyadi / AP)

Updated on May 19, 2019 6:43 PM

Devotees unveil a giant canvas of sacred "Thangka" measuring 60 meters (197 feet) by 12 meters (39 feet), under the sun during a Vesak Day celebration in Ipoh, Malaysia. Vesak Day is a global observance, as well as a public holiday recognized by the United Nations (UN) in many countries (Slamet Riyadi / AP)

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Devotees seen praying during the Vesak Day celebration of Buddha's birth, in Chonburi province, Thailand. (Athit Perawongmetha / REUTERS)

Updated on May 19, 2019 6:43 PM

Devotees seen praying during the Vesak Day celebration of Buddha's birth, in Chonburi province, Thailand. (Athit Perawongmetha / REUTERS)

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A devotee prays at a temple, in Petaling Jaya outside Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. On this day, devotees from around the world make offerings like flowers, candles and incense sticks which remind them that everythig is temporary. (Annice Lyn / AP)

Updated on May 19, 2019 6:43 PM

A devotee prays at a temple, in Petaling Jaya outside Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. On this day, devotees from around the world make offerings like flowers, candles and incense sticks which remind them that everythig is temporary. (Annice Lyn / AP)

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Buddhist monks pray on the eve of Buddha's birthday, at Borobudur temple. (Oa Hamied / AFP)

Updated on May 19, 2019 6:43 PM

Buddhist monks pray on the eve of Buddha's birthday, at Borobudur temple. (Oa Hamied / AFP)

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Devotees carry candles as they pray during the Vesak Day celebration , at a temple in Chonburi province, Thailand. (Athit Perawongmetha / REUTERS)

Updated on May 19, 2019 6:43 PM

Devotees carry candles as they pray during the Vesak Day celebration , at a temple in Chonburi province, Thailand. (Athit Perawongmetha / REUTERS)

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