Pilgrimage calendar

Jul 9 – Fri, Jul 10, 2026

Sensō-ji (浅草寺)· Japan · Buddhism

A summer market at Senso-ji where around 120 stalls sell potted hozuki (Japanese lantern plants), coinciding with Shiman-rokusen-nichi, when a single visit on July 10 is believed to grant the merit of 46,000 days of worship. Held on the fixed dates July 9-10.

Jul 24 – Fri, Aug 7, 2026

Kataragama Temple, Sri Lanka· Sri Lanka · Buddhism

A multi-faith festival honoring the deity Skanda/Murugan, drawing Hindu, Buddhist, Muslim, and Vedda pilgrims, with nightly peraheras culminating in fire-walking and a dawn water-cutting ceremony. Set by the Esala full moon; dates shift annually.

Wed, Jul 29, 2026

Dhamekh Stupa, Sarnath, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh· India · Buddhism

Commemorates the Buddha's first sermon, delivered to his five disciples at the Deer Park in Sarnath after his enlightenment, marked by teachings and processions at the Dhamekh Stupa. Observed on the Ashadha full moon; the date shifts annually.

Aug 18 – Fri, Aug 28, 2026

Sri Dalada Maligawa, Temple of the Tooth· Sri Lanka · Buddhism

One of the world's grandest Buddhist processions, honoring the Sacred Tooth Relic with nightly processions of caparisoned elephants, Kandyan dancers, and drummers, culminating in a water-cutting ceremony. Set by the Esala full moon; dates shift annually.

Jan 1 – Sun, Jan 3, 2027

Sensō-ji (浅草寺)· Japan · Buddhism

Hatsumode is the first temple visit of the New Year; Senso-ji is one of Tokyo's most visited destinations, drawing millions over the first days of January. Held on the fixed dates January 1-3.

Wed, Feb 24, 2027

Thailand · Buddhism

Theravada Buddhist holy day commemorating a spontaneous gathering of 1,250 disciples; marked by candlelit circumambulation at temples. Date is lunar (full moon of the third month).

Sun, May 23, 2027

Mahabodhi Temple and Bodhi Tree, Bodh Gaya, Bihar· India · Buddhism

Commemorates the birth, enlightenment and passing of the Buddha; observed with intensity at the Mahabodhi Temple where the enlightenment occurred. Date is lunar (full moon of Vaisakha).

Jul 9 – Sat, Jul 10, 2027

Sensō-ji (浅草寺)· Japan · Buddhism

A summer market at Senso-ji where around 120 stalls sell potted hozuki (Japanese lantern plants), coinciding with Shiman-rokusen-nichi, when a single visit on July 10 is believed to grant the merit of 46,000 days of worship. Held on the fixed dates July 9-10.