Drukpa
Saturday, July 18, 2026
Enlightenment of Buddha. Siddhartha Gautama, known as Buddha, achieved enlightenment under the Bodhi tree at Bodhgaya, India
History
BCEnlightenment of Buddha. Siddhartha Gautama, known as Buddha, achieved enlightenment under the Bodhi tree at Bodhgaya, India
How It's Celebrated
Drukpa is observed by recognizing the importance of the day, learning about its background and significance, and sharing awareness with others through conversation and social media. Many people take time to reflect on the meaning of the observance and participate in relevant activities or community events.
Other Years
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The August Bank Holiday in Ireland falls on the first Monday of August and is intended to provide a three-day weekend break for students and workers so they can enjoy the summer weather before the onset of autumn. In 2026, August Bank Holiday falls on Monday 3 August. The holiday will be on Monday 2 August in 2027. Nearby Scotland also celebrates the August Bank Holiday at the same time as Ireland. In Ireland, the August Bank Holiday is often referred to as simply “August Holiday.” The first Monday in August became a bank holiday in Ireland while the whole island was still under British rule. It was instituted by the 1871 United Kingdom Bank Holidays Act, which also designated Easter Monday, Whit Monday, and St. Stephen’s Day as bank holidays. Good Friday and Christmas were not added until 1939 because it was not at first considered necessary, given their already-established status. St. Patrick’s Day was added to the list of Irish bank holidays in 1903. Many Irish take the opportunity that the August Bank Holiday provides to go on short in-Ireland vacations or to travel abroad. There are also many sports events going on this day, particularly horse races, and many get out to walk, bicycle, or otherwise get some fresh air and good exercise. Attending cultural events are a second major activity on August Holiday. Expect there to be art displays, music festivals, small local fairs, and agricultural exhibits. You will find that not only banks, but also post offices, and many other businesses and public institutions shut down for the long weekend. However, there are usually plenty of shops still open, and pubs are open on all occasions in Ireland. Even what is open, however, will generally be open for fewer hours, and public transportation schedules will be affected. Should you travel the Republic of Ireland during the August Holiday, some ideas on what to do include: Be aware that many are traveling to and from Ireland during August Holiday Weekend, so be sure to book your flight and accommodations well in advance.
Bengali New Year
The Bengali New Year celebration is known as “Poila Baisakh” which translates to the first month of the Bengali calendar. It is the first day of the Bengali New Year and usually falls in mid-April. It is a holiday filled with rejuvenation, rebirth and joy, much like new year’s celebrations in most countries around the world. In 2027, Bengali New Year falls on Wednesday 14 April. The holiday will be on Friday 14 April in 2028. The holiday is warmly celebrated throughout Bangladesh. Parades and loud festivals are held, many of which are similar to seasonal and agricultural festivals held during ancient times. Local agricultural products and crafts are sold at the more than 200 fairs held throughout Bangladesh on New Year’s Day. The traditional Charak Mela includes outstanding spiritual acrobatics as well. On the day before, businessmen close their account of books and start new on Bengali New Year’s Day. It is believed that this renews and strengthens their business relationships with customers. Cleaning is also an important tradition on this holiday. People bathe in the morning and don clothing made of the finest linen. Afterward, they visit friends and family, and gather to watch the parades or participate in the festivals. Many people exchange sweets while younger people touch the feet of elders in order to seek blessings for the upcoming year. There is a custom to wear gem studded rings on this day in order to please the stars and planets as well. Handmade gifts and greeting cards are exchanged which are normally based on a local theme. On the last day of the year, Bengali’s purchase copies of the Panjika, the Bengali almanac, a guide to festivals, favourable days throughout the next year.
Buddha Purnima
The Buddha Purnima, also referred to as Boishakhi Purnima, is the largest religious festival in Bangladesh held by the Buddhist community. It is celebrated annually on the full moon day that lies in the first month of the Bangla Calendar. In 2027, Buddha Purnima falls on Thursday 20 May. The holiday will be on Tuesday 2 May in 2028. Boishakh, which occurs in May according to the Gregorian calibration, marks the occurrence of three important events of the Blessed One’s life, including birth, his enlightenment, and his death. During this full moon day, Buddhists all around the country commemorate it in several ways. Some of the most common activities include: In addition to the public events, many Buddhists spend the day with their family, relatives, and friends to exchange greetings and solidarity. In the morning hours, devotees often travel to the temple, where they offer puja, candles, incense, flowers, and spend time worshipping the Buddha. On this day, many Buddhists also provide charity to others in the community. They spend time helping the elderly and sick people in the country by paying for their medical needs and even distribute clothes and fruit to those who are disadvantaged.
Chhath Puja
Chhath Puja is a four-day-long festival celebrated in the Mithila region of Nepal as well as in parts of India. The festival is dated based on the local calendar, but it typically falls sometime in October or November on the Gregorian Calendar. In 2026, Chhath Puja falls on Sunday 15 November. The holiday will be on Thursday 4 November in 2027. Chhath Puja is a festival held for the worship of the sun, which is praised and thanked for “sustaining all life on earth.” The sun is also worshiped as the “giver of energy and life force” to all nature. Hindus in Nepal and elsewhere also view the sun as a source of healing, prosperity, and general well being. Thus, Chhath Puja involves rites to honour the sun in the hopes of him granting a long and healthy life to oneself and one’s loved ones. There are many rituals that take place during the four days of Chhath Puja, including holy baths, fasting, long periods of standing while worshiping the sun, and making offerings to the sun at sunrise and sunset.