The sacred month of Saga Dawa, one of the holiest periods in the Tibetan Buddhist calendar, is currently being observed by devotees across Tibet, Nepal, India, Bhutan, and other Himalayan regions. The festival, which spans the entire fourth month of the Tibetan lunar calendar, is dedicated to commemorating the birth, enlightenment, and parinirvana (death) of Lord Buddha — all believed to have occurred on the 15th day of this month.
This year, the auspicious Saga Dawa month began on May 31, 2025, and will conclude on June 28, 2025. The most significant day, Saga Dawa Düchen, falls on June 14, marking Buddha Shakyamuni’s three great deeds.
During this deeply spiritual time, Tibetan Buddhists engage in acts of compassion, generosity, and religious devotion. Temples and monasteries are filled with chanting monks, and pilgrims light butter lamps, spin prayer wheels, and offer prostrations around sacred sites such as the Boudhanath and Swayambhunath stupas in Nepal, or Mount Kailash in Tibet.
Many followers abstain from meat during the month, while others increase their meditation, prayer recitation, and charitable acts — all believed to generate merit, especially powerful during Saga Dawa. According to Tibetan Buddhist belief, positive (and negative) actions during this time are multiplied 100,000 times.
In places like Lhasa, Kathmandu, and Dharamshala, large numbers of devotees can be seen circumambulating sacred sites, offering incense, and participating in community-led rituals. This year, some groups have also emphasized eco-friendly offerings and environmental awareness, tying compassion not only to humans and animals but also to the planet.
As the world continues to face challenges, this month serves as a reminder to all — Buddhist or otherwise — of the power of compassion, mindful action, and spiritual reflection.
Let us embrace this sacred time with kindness in our hearts, good deeds in our actions, and the light of the Dharma guiding our path.