One of our colleagues has shared their own personal experience of celebrating Nirvana Day:

“Paranirvana day is one of the big Buddhist festivals, usually celebrated in February. It marks the final passing away of the Buddha into nirvana at death. It’s a time when the Buddhist community come together to remember loved ones who have died in the previous year and to hear stories about the Buddha’s life and learn from his example about how we can face our own death.

The day starts with a celebratory meal and then we have a special ceremony called a “puja” during which we chant mantras, meditate, hear stories and listen in silence as all the names of the people who have died in the previous year are read out. It is a time of remembrance, sadness but also joy as we remember the good memories of loved ones.  

There are three other major Buddhist ceremonies that are marked during the year in the Triratna Buddhist order, of which I am a member. These are Wesak in May, which celebrates the Buddha’s enlightenment or awakening, Dharma day in July, which celebrates the Buddha’s teachings and Sangha day in November, which celebrates the Buddhist community – this year we had a pantomime for Sangha day”.  

-Dr Prajñāśrī Dibble