It remarks the rejection of Buddha from a life of Prince. Rejecting the luxurious life, Siddharta Gautam spent years as a poor holy person. On the 8th day of the 12th lunar month of the Chinese calendar it takes place. It is peacefully celebrated on the 8th December in Japan and many other parts of the world.

This day is observed in many mainstream Mahayana traditions including the traditional Zen, Pureland Buddhist schools of China, Korea, Japan and Vietnam. It is known as Rohatsu in Japanese Zen.

Lord Buddha meditated in Bodh Gaya, a town in Northeastern India, under a peepal tree known as Bodhi tree. For Buddhist this tree is now sacred place of worship. 

This day is commemorated by meditating, studying the Dharma and chanting sutras. A special meal is cooked consisting of tea and cakes. 

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