Visak Bocheaបុណ្យវិសាខបូជា
May 1, 2026
Visak Bochea honours the birth, enlightenment and passing away of the Buddha, all remembered on one full-moon day. Devotees offer food, light candles and incense and listen to the Dhamma.
បុណ្យវិសាខបូជានៅអូតាវ៉ា
Khmer holy day at the temple · May
Visak Bochea in Ottawa
Visak Bochea, also known as Vesak or Buddha Day, honours the birth, enlightenment and passing away of the Buddha on a single full-moon day. Our Khmer Buddhist temple in Ottawa (Stittsville) invites everyone to join the offerings, candles and Dhamma of the day.
Vesak, Buddha Day
បុណ្យវិសាខបូជាWhat is Visak Bochea?
Visak Bochea (វិសាខបូជា) falls on the full-moon day of the Khmer month of Visakha, usually in May. In the Theravada tradition, followed in Cambodia, the Buddha’s birth, his enlightenment and his final passing away (parinibbana) are all remembered on this one day.
It is among the holiest days of the Buddhist year. People go to the temple to make offerings, take the precepts, listen to the Dhamma and reflect on the Buddha’s example of wisdom and compassion.
At Watt Ratanakpratib
How we mark Visak Bochea at the temple
Devotees come to the temple to remember the Buddha. The day brings:
- Offerings of food, candles and incense
- The Dhamma, listened to together with the monks
- Quiet reflection and meditation
- A candlelit walk around the vihara in the evening, a widespread Visak Bochea tradition
In 2026 Visak Bochea was on May 1. Times and the programme for each year are shared on our events page and on Facebook. You can also hear recorded teachings on our Dhamma talks page.
When
ពេលវេលាVisak Bochea dates at our temple
The 2026 date is from the temple’s official events list. The temple has not yet announced its 2027 date. Because Visak Bochea follows the full moon, its date changes each year. Our events page and Facebook will show it as soon as it is confirmed.
Visak Bocheaបុណ្យវិសាខបូជា
Around May 20, 2027
Visak Bochea honours the birth, enlightenment and passing away of the Buddha. This date is an estimate until the temple publishes its 2027 list.
សូមអញ្ជើញមកចូលរួមបុណ្យវិសាខបូជានៅវត្តរតនប្រទីប ក្រុងអូតាវ៉ា
Before you come
What to wear and what to bring
Nothing more is expected of you than respect and an open heart. See our visit page for directions and parking, and visiting with respect for simple customs.
What to wear
- Modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees
- Many people wear white for this holy day, though it is a personal choice
- Clean socks, since shoes come off before the hall
What to bring
- Flowers, candles or incense for the shrine
- Food for the monks if you wish, in time for the lunch offering because the monks eat before noon
- A calm mind: the day is quiet and devotional
Getting here
The temple is at 5883 Hazeldean Road, Stittsville, Ottawa, with a free on-site parking lot. On big festival days it fills early, so please arrive early or carpool with other families.
Through the Khmer year
បុណ្យប្រពៃណីOther Khmer festivals in Ottawa
Explore more of the Khmer calendar at our temple, or see every date on the events calendar.
Khmer New Year in Ottawaបុណ្យចូលឆ្នាំខ្មែរ
Three days of blessings, merit-making, games and shared food to welcome the Khmer year.
Read the guide
Pchum Ben in Ottawaបុណ្យភ្ជុំបិណ្ឌ
Fifteen days of remembering ancestors with food and merit offered to the monks.
Read the guide
Kathina in Ottawaបុណ្យកឋិនទាន
The yearly robe-offering ceremony after the Rains Retreat, held in harmony by the community.
Read the guide
ស្វាគមន៍
Join us for Visak Bochea
Everyone is welcome at our Khmer Buddhist temple in Ottawa, whether you are Khmer, Buddhist, a neighbour or simply curious. Festivals are made by many hands, so if you would like to help in the kitchen, with parking or with setup, we would love to hear from you.