[13] The Mayadevi Temple, its gardens, and an Ashoka Pillar dating from 249 BCE mark the Buddha's birthplace at Lumbini.

[14] The exact year of Buddha's birthday is based on the Sri Lankan convention, while several Asian lunisolar calendars ascribe to different lunar days.

In modern-day India and Nepal, where the historical Buddha lived, it is celebrated on the full moon day of the Vaisakha month of the Buddhist calendar.

In Theravada countries following the Buddhist calendar, it falls on the full moon, Uposatha day, typically in the 5th or 6th lunar month.

In China, Korea, Vietnam and the Philippines, it is celebrated on the eighth day of the fourth month in the Chinese lunar calendar.

[14] In 2022, archaeologists from Durham University reported that while working in Nepal they uncovered evidence of a structure at the birthplace of the Buddha dating to the sixth century BCE, using a combination of radiocarbon and optically stimulated luminescence techniques.

On the day of the festival, the President and Prime Minister deliver speeches addressing the history and importance of Buddhism, and of religious harmony in the country.

Buddhists then attend a congression inside the monastery where the chief monk delivers a speech discussing the Buddha and the Three Jewels (tri-ratna), and about living the ideal life.

Throughout the Saga Dawa Vesak Month holy, virtuous and morally ethical activities flows in homes, temples, monasteries and public places.

The Buddha parinirvana day also sees devotees visiting monastery to offer prayers and light butter lamps.

People of various walk of life wear their national dress and go to monasteries to receive blessings from their guardian deity.

In Cambodia, Buddha's Birthday is celebrated as Visak Bochea and is a public holiday where monks around the country carry the Buddhist flag, lotus flowers, incense, and candles to acknowledge Vesak.

[26] In Mainland China, this day is generally and commonly called in Chinese 佛誕 (Fódàn), but also called "Yùfú Jié (浴佛節, "Bathing (Purifying) Buddha Festival"), Guànfó Huì (灌佛會, "Pouring on the Buddha Congregational Assembly"), Lóng-huá Huì (龍華會), Huáyán Huì (華嚴會)" or even " 衛塞節 (Wèisāi jié, "Vesak Day), 偉大的衛塞節花節偉大的滿月 (Wěidà de Wèisāi-jié Huā-jié Wěidà de Mǎnyuè, "Great Vesak Day Flower Festival Full Moon of Flower Moon")".

Throughout the Saga Dawa Vesak Month holy, virtuous and morally ethical activities flows in homes, temples, monasteries and public places.

A large procession beginning in Mendut in Java, and ends at Borobudur – the largest Buddhist temple in the world.

On this day, all temples hold 降誕会 (Gōtan-e), 仏生会 (Busshō-e), 浴仏会 (Yokubutsu-e), 龍華会 (Ryūge-e) and 花会式 (Hana-eshiki).

[26] In Mongolia, Buddha's Birthday is called (Mongolian Cyrillic: Багшийн Их Дүйцэн Өдөр, Burkhan Bagshiin Ikh Düitsen Ödör, "Lord Buddha's Great Festival Day"), is celebrated as "Ikh Duichen" and its date is determined by the Mongolian lunar calendar.

[40] Buddha's Birthday is occasionally designated as a public holiday in North Korea and is known as Chopail (Korean: 초파일 Chopa-il; Hanja: 初八日, "the first 8th day (of the month in the Lunar Calendar)").

[41] Buddha's Birthday is a traditional festival in Korean culture, and was celebrated in Korea long before the division of the country.

[47] Electric light displays that depict stories from the Buddha's life are also a notable part of Vesak celebrations in the country.

[citation needed] In Taiwan, after the initiation by the Buddhists and the general public, the "Guódìng Fúdàn Jié (Chinese: 國定佛誕節, "National Buddha's Birthday")" was jointly signed.

Devotees pour fragrant water over Buddha statues to symbolise the beginning of a fresh start in life.

[50] From 1958 to 1975, the birthday of Buddha (on the 8th day of the 4th month in the Vietnamese calendar) was recognized as a national public holiday in South Vietnam,[51] enjoyed with floats and lantern parades on the streets.

[62][63] Hanamatsuri is celebrated in the São Paulo neighbourhood of Liberdade which is home to the largest Japanese community outside of Japan.

[63][64] In Toronto, three Buddhist temples representing the three main branches of Buddhism organize an annual event known as Vesak: Buddha's Birthday.

[65] It is held at Mississauga Celebration Square, and features a number of Buddhist-themed events and activities, as well as cultural acts from Asia, including China, Sri Lanka and Vietnam.

Starting in 1969 at Tassajara Zen Mountain Center, Hana-Matsuri (花まつり, flower festival) was celebrated each spring.

A temporary stone altar was built under a huge oak tree in a gorgeous field of green grass and abundant wildflowers; a small statue of a baby Buddha was placed upon it in a metal basin.

Then each person, in turn, approaches the altar, and ladle one thin-lipped bamboo dipperful of sweet green tea over the statue, bow, and walk to one side.

[69] In New York, the International Lotus Lantern Parade has been a notable and successful annual event held at Union Square Park.