ས་ག་ཟླ་བ།(Saga Dawa)

ས་ག་ཟླ་བ། (Saga Dawa) is one of the most sacred months in the Tibetan Buddhist calendar, observed during the fourth lunar month. It holds immense spiritual significance because it commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and parinirvana (passing into nirvana) of Lord Buddha Shakyamuni—all believed to have occurred on the full moon day of this month. The fifteenth day, known as Saga Dawa Düchen, is especially important and widely celebrated with prayers, offerings, and acts of compassion. Throughout the entire month, Tibetan Buddhists engage in virtuous deeds such as prostrations, reciting mantras, giving to the needy, freeing animals, and avoiding negative actions, as it is believed that the merit of any good deed performed during this time is multiplied many times over. People often refrain from eating meat and make pilgrimages to sacred sites, particularly in places like Lhasa, where thousands circle the Barkhor and visit the Jokhang Temple. Saga Dawa is a time of deep reflection, generosity, and devotion, embodying the core values of Tibetan Buddhism.