Vesak, also known as Buddha Purnima or Buddha Jayanti, is the most important festival in Buddhism. It commemorates three pivotal moments in the life of Gautama Buddha: his birth, enlightenment, and Parinirvana (passing away). Traditionally observed on the full moon day of the lunar month of Vesakha, which falls in April, May, or June on the Gregorian calendar, Vesak is a joyous and reflective celebration.

On Vesak, Buddhists around the world visit temples, light lamps and candles, and offer prayers. Many participate in acts of merit-making, such as donating food or alms to monks and nuns, releasing captive animals, and practicing generosity. Vesak is a time to remember the Buddha's teachings of compassion, peace, and the path to enlightenment.

The origins of Vesak itself lie in commemorating the life of the Buddha, but the international recognition of Vesak as a day of significance is a recent development. Here's a breakdown:

• Vesak's Origins: Vesak has been celebrated by Buddhists for centuries, commemorating the birth, enlightenment, and Parinirvana of the Buddha.

• UN Involvement: Sri Lanka played a key role in bringing Vesak to the world stage. In 1999, they proposed a resolution to the United Nations General Assembly for the "International recognition of the Day of Vesak at United Nations Headquarters and other United Nations offices." This resolution, adopted in December of that year, acknowledged the contributions of Buddhism and the Buddha over millennia.

• Impact: The resolution led to the international recognition of Vesak as the "Day of Vesak." This includes annual commemorations at the UN Headquarters in New York, UNESCO, and other UN offices worldwide. The first such celebration took place at the UN in New York in 2000.