Wesak Day 2025, School Holiday & Public Holiday Dates

Date of Wesak Day 2025, Wesak celebration or Wesak Day, school holidays and public holidays, remind us that Wesak Day is still known as one of the most revered Buddhist festivals, marking three important moments in the life of the Buddha.

On this sacred full moon in May, millions of people around the world will gather to honor the birth, enlightenment, and passing of Siddhartha Gautama. Behind the celebrations of this festival are many stories of extraordinary transformation that shape the spiritual journey of a human being.

Date of Wesak Day 2025

Announcement of the Official Date for the 2025 Wesak Day Holiday

If you refer to the 2025 federal and state public holiday schedule by kabinet.gov.my, Wesak Day will be celebrated in Malaysia on:

• May 12, 2025 (Monday) – Wesak Day (All States)

May 2025

School Holidays in Conjunction with the Public Holiday of Wesak Day 2025

All students in Malaysia will enjoy the Wesak Day holiday or Wesak Day based on their school group in 2025. These dates will help students, parents and even teachers plan their celebrations and travel arrangements effectively.

Group A

(Kedah, Kelantan, Terengganu)

• 12 May 2025 (Monday) – School holiday in all states

Group B

(Mellaka, Johor, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Perak, Perlis, Penang, Sabah, Sarawak, Selangor, WP Kuala Lumpur, WP Labuan and WP Putrajaya)

• 12 May 2025 (Monday) – School holiday in all states

If you plan ahead, keep in mind that the school will follow the government's public holiday schedule without additional holidays.

The Ministry of Education has not announced any special/additional arrangements for the 2025 Wesak Day celebration. You can check the official MOE portal for any latest information on the academic calendar as the celebration date approaches.

Wesak Day Celebration in Malaysia

Wesak Day commemorates three very important moments in the life of Gautama Buddha: first, his birth as Prince Siddhartha in Lumbini, second, his attainment of enlightenment under the Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, and third, his final passing into Parinirvana in Kushinagar.

This transformative event, celebrated during Wesak, represents all aspects of the Buddha's complete spiritual journey. His birth can be considered to have marked the beginning of a path that would impact the lives of millions of people around the world.

Enlightenment symbolizes his success in understanding the nature of worldly suffering and the right path/path to liberation. His passing into Parinirvana demonstrates the Buddha's teaching about the impermanence of this world and the completion of his earthly mission.

Together, these three important events embody the essence of the Buddha's teachings and serve as a profound reminder to humanity about the path to spiritual awakening.

In modern times, Buddhist communities around the world have developed unique ways to celebrate Wesak Day, combining traditional practices passed down through generations with contemporary expressions of devotion.

From dawn gatherings at temples to elaborate city processions featuring ornate floats and Buddha statues, the Wesak celebration reflects both spiritual significance and cultural adaptation.

Common rituals include washing Buddha statues and lighting lotus-shaped candles, widely believed to purify one's soul.

Devotees also offered flowers and heartfelt donations while participating in the various meditation and prayer sessions provided.

In locations such as Kuala Lumpur, colorful processions are held by people carrying traditional symbols, while some communities in Singapore and Taiwan practice more elaborate rituals such as walking long distances to Buddhist temples to fulfill their wishes.

This vibrant celebration always highlights Wesak's important message of peace, enlightenment and compassion beyond geographical and cultural boundaries.