Buddhist holidays in 2026 are observed across different traditions such as Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana. Many of these celebrations are tied to the lunar calendar, while others follow fixed Gregorian dates.
Below is the complete list of major Buddhist holidays for 2026.
Confirmed Holidays (Fixed Calendar Dates)
- Mahayana New Year – January 3, 2026
- Parinirvana / Nirvana Day – February 15, 2026
- Chinese Lunar New Year (observed in Buddhist communities) – February 17, 2026
- Magha Puja Day (Māgha Pūjā) – March 3, 2026
- Theravada New Year – April 13, 2026
- Vesak / Buddha Day – May 31, 2026
- Asalha Puja (Dharma Day) – July 29, 2026
- Obon (Japanese Buddhist tradition) – August 13, 2026
- Bodhi Day – December 8, 2026
Additional Observances (Lunar-Based or Regional Traditions)
Some holidays vary regionally or are determined by the lunar calendar:
- Abhidhamma Day – Celebrated in Myanmar, India, and Southeast Asia on the full moon of the seventh lunar month (around October).
- Māgha Pūjā (Saṅgha Day) – Already noted above on March 3, commemorates the great assembly of disciples with the Buddha.
2026 Buddhist holidays Summary Table
| Holiday / Observance | Date (2026) |
|---|---|
| Mahayana New Year | January 3 |
| Parinirvana / Nirvana Day | February 15 |
| Chinese Lunar New Year | February 17 |
| Magha Puja Day | March 3 (full moon) |
| Theravada New Year | April 13 |
| Vesak / Buddha Day | May 31 |
| Asalha Puja (Dharma Day) | July 29 |
| Obon (Japanese tradition) | August 13 |
| Abhidhamma Day | Approx. October (lunar) |
| Bodhi Day | December 8 |
Notes
- Many Buddhist holidays are tied to the lunar calendar, so dates can shift slightly depending on local practice.
- Some observances, like Abhidhamma Day, are celebrated primarily in certain Theravada Buddhist countries.
- The list above represents the most widely recognized Buddhist holidays for 2026.
Also see: Buddhist holidays in 2025