Donchod-hural, Visakha Puja, Saga Dawa, Vesak — is a pan-Buddhist holiday dedicated to the three most important events in the life of Buddha Shakyamuni: his Birth (Jayanti), Enlightenment (Bodhi) and Going to Nirvana (Parinirvana). 80 years passed between the first and last events. The Buddha became enlightened at the age of 35. Since most Buddhist schools believe that these events occurred on the same day of the year, a single celebration is established in their memory.
The date of the holiday is calculated annually using astrological tables. But due to differences in astrological calculations, given that in each territory the lunar day begins in due time, in different countries the dates of the holiday may not coincide.
Donchod is considered the most important of all Buddhist holidays and lasts a week. At this time, solemn prayer services are held in all monasteries, processions and processions are held. Temples are decorated with garlands of flowers and paper lanterns, which symbolize the enlightenment that came into the world with the teachings of the Buddha. Oil lamps are placed on the territory of temples (around sacred trees and stupas). Monks read prayers all night and tell believers stories from the life of the Buddha and his disciples (darshans).
Lay people also meditate in the temple and listen to the instructions of the monks throughout the night, thereby emphasizing their loyalty to the Teachings of the Buddha (Dharma). With special care during the holidays, the ban on agricultural work and other activities that can cause harm to any living beings is observed. After the end of the festive prayer service, the laity give a rich treat to members of the monastic community and present them with gifts, which indicates their loyalty to the Buddha's instruction — to honor the monastic community (Sangha) as one of the Three Jewels.
On the eve of the holiday, believers send greeting cards to their friends and relatives, which, as a rule, depict memorable events from the life of the Buddha.