Buddhist Festivals. A Few Notes

Abstract

The text explores the theme of Buddhist festivals, which combine religious practices, art and cultural celebrations to strengthen collective identity. Starting from the ancient rituals of consecration of stupa and temples, the article explores the role of celebrations such as the Sixth Year Festival, focusing on theatrical and musical performances as typical elements. These events reflect the connection between the lunar calendar and the life of the Buddha, the main theme of all the holidays. The celebrations are represented in reliefs of Gandhara art, such as the double frieze of the Saidu Shrine. Their purpose was not only commemorative, but also had an economic and political function, financing the construction of religious buildings and strengthening the link with the community. It is also important to stress the political significance of these ceremonies, which show how Buddhist kings and emperors used festivals to assert their authority. The essay concludes with a reflection on modern celebrations such as the 1956 Buddha Jayanti in India, highlighting their political and social significance in the contemporary context. Through a detailed analysis of Buddhist festivals, it is highlighted how these events represent not only spiritual moments but also tools for social cohesion and cultural preservation, demonstrating the adaptability and evolution of Buddhism in time and place.