Buddha Purnima / Vesak 2026 புத்த பூர்ணிமா
Friday, 1 May 2026
The day in the Tamil calendar
| Date | Friday, 1 May 2026 |
|---|---|
| Tamil date | Chithirai 18 சித்திரை |
| Tithi at sunrise | Purnima (பூர்ணிமை) until 10:53 PM · Shukla Paksha |
| Nakshatra at sunrise | Swati (சுவாதி) until 4:35 AM, May 02 |
| Sunrise / Sunset | 5:51 AM / 6:20 PM |
| Tamil Nadu holiday | Not in the Tamil Nadu government holiday list for 2026 |
Timings for Chennai. The date follows the Tamil Nadu calendar.
About the festival
Buddha Purnima, called Vesak in much of the Theravada Buddhist world, commemorates the birth, enlightenment and passing away of the Buddha.1,2
In India, Nepal and Bangladesh it is known as Buddha Purnima or Buddha Jayanti, and the United Nations has recognised the Day of Vesak internationally since 1999 (General Assembly resolution 54/115).1,2
Observances include devotional services and merit-making, such as giving food or alms to monks.1
When it falls: It is observed on the full moon of the lunar month Vaishakha (Vesakha), which falls in April, May or June; the United Nations observance is held on the full moon of May.1,2
Sources
Buddha Purnima / Vesak in other years
| 2025 | Monday, 12 May 2025 |
|---|---|
| 2026 | Friday, 1 May 2026 |
| 2027 | Thursday, 20 May 2027 |
| 2028 | Monday, 8 May 2028 |