DLTK's Crafts for Kids
Vesak Day - full moon in May

Vesak Day, also known as Buddha Purnima or Buddha Day, holds great significance for Buddhists worldwide. This special day, typically celebrated in May, honors the birth, enlightenment, and passing of Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism. Buddhists from all walks of life come together on this day to reflect on the life and teachings of the Buddha, participating in various traditions and rituals. Join us as we explore the rich history and meaning of Vesak Day, accompanied by fascinating facts, inspiring activities, and hands-on crafts for kids to enjoy while learning about this important celebration.

	Buddha, Lotus Flower and Mandala Coloring Pages
	Clay Bowl
	Lotus Flower Clay Bowl
	Lotus Tissue Paper Flower The large pointed petal tissue paper flowers make nice lotus flowers!
	Paper Lantern

Fun Facts about Vesak Day:

1. Vesak Day is celebrated on the full moon day in the lunar month of Vesakha, which usually falls in May.
2. The United Nations officially recognizes Vesak Day, and many countries worldwide observe it as a public holiday.
3. On Vesak Day, Buddhists visit temples, meditate, and engage in acts of kindness and generosity, like giving food to the needy.
4. Colorful lanterns, especially in the shape of a lotus, are used to decorate homes and streets during Vesak Day celebrations.
5. In Sri Lanka, people celebrate Vesak Day by creating beautiful, intricate "Vesak koodu" lanterns to light up the night.
6. On Vesak Day, Buddhists also release animals, like birds and turtles, as a symbol of compassion and liberation.
7. In some countries, like Indonesia, people perform a ritual called "Pindapata," where Buddhist monks collect alms in their clay bowls from the community.

The five countries with the largest Buddhist population by percentage of inhabitants are:

1. Bhutan: With approximately 75% of its population practicing Buddhism, Bhutan has the highest percentage of Buddhists among its inhabitants.
2. Cambodia: Buddhism is the predominant religion in Cambodia, with about 97% of the population practicing the faith.
3. Myanmar (Burma): As a primarily Buddhist nation, around 88% of Myanmar's population practices Buddhism.
4. Sri Lanka: Buddhism is deeply ingrained in Sri Lankan culture, with approximately 70% of its population being Buddhists.
5. Thailand: With a majority Buddhist population, around 93% of Thailand's inhabitants practice the religion.

Countries with the Largest Buddhist Population (by number of people)

• China: With the most significant number of Buddhists, China has an estimated Buddhist population of around 244 million people.
• Thailand: As a predominantly Buddhist country, Thailand has approximately 64 million Buddhists.
• Japan: With a mix of Buddhism and Shinto practices, Japan has around 45 million Buddhists.
• Myanmar (Burma): Another predominantly Buddhist nation, Myanmar has about 38 million Buddhists.
• Sri Lanka: With Buddhism deeply ingrained in its culture, Sri Lanka is home to around 14.2 million Buddhists.

We hope you enjoyed learning about Vesak Day! Now it's time to put your creativity to work and make this celebration even more memorable. Engage your kids in fun and educational crafts and activities inspired by Vesak Day, such as making lanterns, designing Buddha-themed coloring pages, or coloring lotus flowers. These crafts and activities are not only enjoyable but also provide an opportunity to teach kids about the importance of compassion, kindness, and mindfulness in their everyday lives.

Other Holidays You May Be Interested In:

• National Nutrition Month - March
• National Dairy Month - June
• National Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Month - June