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Uposatha Observance Days

Uposatha days are times of renewed dedication to Dhamma practice, observed by both lay people and monastics throughout the world of Theravada Buddhism.

For monastics, these are often days of more intensive reflection and meditation. In many monasteries physical labor (construction projects, repairs, etc.) is curtailed. On New Moon and Full Moon days the fortnightly confession and recitation of the Patimokkha (monastic rules of conduct) takes place.

Lay people observe the eight precepts on Uposatha days, as a support for meditation practice and as a way to re-energize commitment to the Dhamma. Whenever possible, lay people use these days as an opportunity to visit the local monastery, in order to make special offerings to the Sangha, to listen to Dhamma, and to practice meditation with Dhamma companions late into the night. For laity not closely affiliated with a local monastery, it can simply be an opportunity to increase one's efforts in meditation while drawing on the invisible support of millions of other practicing Buddhists around the world.

The calendar of Uposatha days is calculated using a complicated traditional formula that is loosely based on the astronomical (lunar) calendar, with the result that the dates do not always coincide with the actual astronomical dates. To further confuse matters, each sect within Theravada Buddhism tends to follow its own calendar.

The calendar below lists the Uposatha days that will be observed in the coming year by followers of the two sects of Thai Buddhism, Dhammayutika and Mahanikaya.

2002
Uposatha observance days
Last Quarter
("half moon")
New MoonFirst Quarter
("half moon")
Full Moon
Jan 6 Jan 13 Jan 21 Jan 28
Feb 5 Feb 12* Feb 20* Feb 26
Magha Puja
Mar 6 Mar 13 Mar 21 Mar 28
Apr 5 Apr 12* Apr 20* Apr 27*
May 5* May 11 May 19 May 26
Visakha Puja
Jun 3 Jun 10* Jun 18* Jun 25*
Jul 3* Jul 9 Jul 17 Jul 24
Asalha Puja
Aug 1 Aug 8 Aug 16 Aug 23
Aug 31 Sep 6 Sep 14 Sep 21
Sep 29 Oct 6 Oct 14 Oct 21
Pavarana Day
Oct 29 Nov 4 Nov 12 Nov 19
Anapanasati Day
Nov 27 Dec 4 Dec 12 Dec 19
Dec 27

* On dates marked with an asterisk, followers of the Mahanikaya sect observe the Uposatha the preceding day.

Some of the full-moon days have special significance in the Buddhist calendar:


See also:

Dates for the calendar were provided by Metta Forest Monastery (P.O. Box 1409, Valley Center, CA 92082 USA) and Abhayagiri Buddhist Monastery (16201 Tomki Rd., Redwood Valley, CA 95470, USA).
Revised: Wed 19 December 2001
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/ptf/uposatha.html