About Saga Dawa

साग्दावा

00 days

Happy Saga Dawa
साग्दावाको हार्दिक शुभकामना
सागा दावा की हार्दिक शुभकामनाएं

123 wishes · 3 languages · Updated October 2026

About Saga Dawa

Saga Dawa is the holiest month of the Tibetan Buddhist year, and its full moon day, Saga Dawa Duchen, remembers three great events in the life of the Buddha: his birth, his enlightenment and his passing into nirvana. It falls in late May or June.

Buddhists believe that good deeds done in this month bring many times the merit. So people give alms, free animals, light butter lamps, avoid meat and spend the day in prayer, chanting and walking around stupas and monasteries.

In Sikkim, Saga Dawa is a state holiday. In Gangtok, monks and devotees carry the holy books in a colourful procession from the Tsuklakhang monastery around the town, with long horns, drums and incense. Ladakh, Arunachal, Himachal, Nepal and Bhutan also keep the day with prayers and fairs.

For Tibetan communities everywhere, Saga Dawa is a quiet and joyful day of kindness, when families visit monasteries together and share food with those in need.

How people celebrate Saga Dawa

Lighting butter lamps at monasteries
Walking around stupas and spinning prayer wheels
The procession of holy books in Gangtok
Freeing animals and giving alms
A vegetarian day of prayer and chanting
Hanging new prayer flags

How to wish well

Saga Dawa is a holy day, so gentle wishes of peace, kindness and blessings suit it best.
"Tashi Delek" is a warm greeting to use with Sikkimese, Ladakhi and Tibetan friends.
Avoid jokes and party wishes; a line about lamps, prayer and good deeds feels right.

Questions about Saga Dawa

When is Saga Dawa?

On the full moon of the fourth Tibetan month, in late May or June. The date for each year is shown on this page.

Why is Saga Dawa celebrated?

It remembers the birth, enlightenment and passing into nirvana of the Buddha, which tradition says happened on this full moon.

Is Saga Dawa the same as Buddha Purnima?

Both remember the Buddha's life. Buddha Purnima follows the Indian calendar, while Saga Dawa follows the Tibetan calendar, so the dates are often a few weeks apart.

How is Saga Dawa celebrated in Sikkim?

With a procession of holy books around Gangtok, prayers and butter lamps at monasteries, and acts of kindness such as giving alms.

What should one do on Saga Dawa?

Many people pray, light lamps, walk around stupas, give to the poor, free animals and avoid meat for the day or the whole month.

Is Saga Dawa a holiday in Sikkim?

Yes, it is a public holiday in Sikkim.