Saga Dawa is one of the most important and sacred festivals in Tibetan Buddhism. It commemorates three major events in the life of Siddhārtha Gautama, the historical Buddha: his birth, enlightenment (nirvāṇa), and passing into final nirvāṇa (parinirvāṇa). These events are traditionally believed to have occurred on the same day of the lunar calendar — the 15th day of the fourth month — making this day, known as Saga Dawa Düchen, especially auspicious.
Saga Dawa usually falls in May or June in the Gregorian calendar, and the entire fourth lunar month is considered a time for heightened spiritual activity. Buddhists believe that the merit of good deeds performed during this period is greatly multiplied — commonly said to be increased by 100,000 times on the full moon day of Saga Dawa Düchen.
The Meaning of Saga Dawa
The name Saga Dawa comes from two Tibetan words: Saga, referring to the star Saga (one of the brightest in the sky during this period), and Dawa, meaning ‘month’. The Sanskrit equivalent of this festival is Vesak, celebrated by Theravāda and Mahāyāna Buddhists worldwide.
While Vesak is observed broadly across Buddhist cultures, Saga Dawa is specific to Tibetan Buddhism and is deeply rooted in the Tibetan calendar and ritual practices.
Traditional Observances and Practices
Circumambulation and Pilgrimage
In Tibet, devotees undertake pilgrimages and perform circumambulations (kora) around sacred sites, such as Mount Kailash, the Jokhang Temple, and other significant monasteries. Many perform full-body prostrations during these circuits, symbolising humility and devotion.
Releasing Animals
A common meritorious act during Saga Dawa is the practice of tsethar — releasing animals otherwise destined for slaughter. This act of compassion is believed to generate positive karma and embody the Buddhist principle of non-harming (ahimsa).
Offerings and Almsgiving
Giving plays a central role during the festival. People offer butter lamps, incense, food, and money to monasteries and monks. Lay practitioners also give generously to the poor, the sick, and those in need.
Lighting Butter Lamps
Thousands of butter lamps are lit in homes, temples, and monasteries. The light symbolises wisdom dispelling the darkness of ignorance. It is also an offering to the enlightened beings and a reminder of the light of Buddha’s teachings.
Observing a Vegetarian Diet
Many Tibetans and other Buddhists abstain from eating meat during the month of Saga Dawa. This is both an act of compassion and an effort to avoid harming living beings during a spiritually potent time.
Contemporary Significance
In modern times, Saga Dawa remains a vibrant expression of Tibetan Buddhist faith and identity. It has become a focal point for humanitarian work, environmental awareness, and global spiritual engagement. In Tibetan exile communities and across Buddhist centres worldwide, the festival is marked by communal prayer sessions, charitable events, and ecological initiatives such as tree planting and litter clean-ups.
It is also an opportunity for practitioners to renew their commitment to the core Buddhist precepts and reflect deeply on the values of impermanence, compassion, and interdependence.
Saga Dawa is far more than a traditional festival — it is a profound spiritual observance rooted in the life and teachings of the Buddha. Its emphasis on compassion, ethical living, and spiritual growth serves as a powerful reminder of the path to awakening. For Tibetan Buddhists and others inspired by the Buddha’s message, Saga Dawa is a time to deepen practice, generate merit, and contribute to the well-being of all sentient beings.
In an increasingly complex and divided world, the principles embodied by Saga Dawa — generosity, mindfulness, and loving-kindness — remain not only relevant but essential.
PC: Dibya Gurung, Flickr, Jerena Shakya