Buddhist holidays and celebrations are often calculated according to the Lunar calendar, except in Japan, where the Solar calendar is used. In different Asian countries, the beginning of the year varies and leap years are calculated differently.
People gather in temples and centres, pray and make wishes for everyone’s well-being, meditate and celebrate. Celebrations last for several days; the most important day of celebration is mentioned here.
The South Asian New Year, the Water Festival (Theravada) is celebrated on the same day every year according to the Solar calendar. Water is splashed on friends and passers-by in the streets to wish them good luck.