Also known as Waisak Day or Vesak Day, the holiday marks the birth of Gautama Buddha - - the father of Buddhism, who is responsible for the religion's core teachings.
Robe - clad monks circle the 9th - century Borobudur temple - - the world's largest Buddhist temple and a UNESCO heritage site - - to meditate, chant sutras and release an ocean of glowing lanterns into the night sky.
It's just one of many celebrations taking place across Asia this month as worshipers ring in the holiday at the region's most beautiful temples, from lantern festivals at Seoul's Jogyesa Temple to rituals at Yangon's golden Shwedagon Pagoda.
Born in Nepal in 567 BC, Gautama Buddha - - or Prince Siddhartha Gautama at birth - - was the son of a tribal leader.
As an adult, he founded a sect of wandering ascetics and the community eventually evolved into a religion after his death at 80 years old.
Today, over 488 million people - - or roughly 9% of the world's population - - practice Buddhism, nearly 99% of which are located in the Asia - Pacific region.
Each year, on the full moon of the month of Vesakha, millions of Buddhists around the world take part in Vesak Day celebrations. The holiday goes by dozens of names - - but many countries unofficially refer to it as Buddha's Birthday or Buddha Day.
Celebrations around the world
From Thailand to South Korea, Myanmar, China and Malaysia - - every country has its own traditions, each symbolizing various aspects of Buddha's life or teachings. Home to 255 million Buddhists - - the world's largest Buddhist population - - China sees one of the most widespread celebrations.
Most of the action revolves around Buddhist temples, where people light incense and leave offerings. In South Korea, the holiday comes to life in a Lotus Lantern festival, best viewed at Seoul's Jogyesa Temple.
The release of sky lanterns is a symbol of light and enlightenment; it is one of the most impressive moments of Waisak day. Lanterns are lit up and set free in the night - sky dominated by the full moon.
This year the Buddhists are ready to celebrate this day with fervor on the 29th of May.
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