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Magha Puja (Fourfold Assembly Day)
Commemorating the spontaneous assembly of 1,250 enlightened monks to hear the Buddha teach.
February 12Lunar calendar
Why It Matters
Magha Puja commemorates the remarkable occasion when 1,250 enlightened monks spontaneously gathered, without prior arrangement, to hear the Buddha deliver his first summary of the entire Buddhist teaching: the Ovadha-Patimokkha.
How It Is Observed
Temple ceremonies, candlelit processions walking three times around the temple holding flowers, incense, and candles. Listening to teachings, meditation, dana (giving), observing the five precepts.
Sacred Text
“Not to do any evil, to cultivate good, to purify the mind — this is the teaching of the Buddhas.”
— Dhammapada 183 ↗
Note on dates: This holiday follows a lunar or lunisolar calendar. The date shown is approximate for 2025–2026. Exact dates may vary by one or two days depending on moon sighting and regional tradition. Always confirm with your local community.