Saga Dawa is considered by many to be the most auspicious month in the Buddhist lunar calendar. It is the 4th lunar month of the lunar year and this year starts on 12 May 2021 and ends on 10 June 2021. The 15th day of this lunar month, full moon, is called Saga Dawa Düchen (Düchen means “great occasion”). It is the day celebrated for Buddha’s enlightenment and parinirvana (26 May 2021 this year). The birth of Buddha is also celebrated on this day by some, and on the 19 May 2021 by others.
Saga Dawa is known as the month of merits. It is also called Bumgyur Dawa, which means “merits multiplied by a hundred thousand times.” It is considered a time to remember Buddha for his great kindness and vast aspirations to benefit sentient beings. During this period many practitioners make extra efforts in making positive aspirations, practicing Dharma, generosity, and kindheartedness and pray for the long life of all enlightened Masters and of all Buddha’s teachings.