Ullambana

When did the Ullambana start?

About Ullambana Festival

Ullambana is an important Buddhist festival observed mainly in East Asia. It is celebrated in early September in Japan and on the fifteenth day of the seventh month on the lunar calendar in China and Vietnam. The word Ullambana is derived from two Sanskrit words, 'Ulu' which means to save, and 'Mbana' which translates to freedom from suffering. This is an ancient Buddhist festival that helps to invite ancestral spirits to visit their families and receive blessings.

During the Ullambana Festival, Buddhist devotees gather at temples and monasteries to offer prayers for their deceased family members. As part of the observance, people offer food, mats, and other items to their departed ancestors. Offerings such as incense, flowers, and food are also made to the spirits. In addition, mantras and sutras are chanted to bless the spirits and help them ascend to the realm of the Buddha. After the rituals are completed, the attendees share a communal meal together.

Ullambana: What Is It and How Is It Celebrated?

Ullambana, or “Ullambanam” in Tamil, is a popular holiday that is celebrated in India, China, Japan, Sri Lanka, and other Buddhist countries every 15th day of the seventh moon of the lunar calendar. It has its roots in a story from Buddhist scripture, which tells of a monk (Maudgalyayana) who, through his supernatural powers, released his deceased mother from the hungry ghosts. To commemorate this event, people gather to offer prayers and share food with the spirits of their deceased loved ones.

Ullambana is a time for Buddhism believers to remember the generosity of the monk and to pay respect to all the souls in the afterlife. Despite regional variations, the holiday typically involves spirit chests (made up of fruits, offerings, and candles) on family altars, lit lanterns, incense burning, paper offerings, memorial services, and feasts for the spirits.

Ullambana, also known as Obon or Ghost Festival, is primarily celebrated in several East Asian countries with Buddhist or Taoist traditions. These countries include:

1. Japan (known as Obon)
2. China (known as Zhongyuan Festival or Hungry Ghost Festival)
3. South Korea (known as Chuseok)
4. Vietnam (known as Vu Lan or Trung Nguyen)

History of Ullambana

Ullambana’s origins can be traced back to a story found in Buddhist scripture, known as the “Ullambana Sutra”. This story tells of a monk named Maudgalyayana (also known as Mahamaudgalyayana), who used his supernatural powers to free his deceased mother from the suffering of the hungry ghosts. The monk then offered food and other offerings to both the living and the dead.

This story of compassion and love is what inspired the holiday which has become known as “Ullambana”. The holiday is said to have originated in India and has since spread to other countries across Asia.

Ullambana in India

In India, Ullambana is celebrated as a feast for the spirits of the departed. On this day, members of a family will gather to pray and offer food for their ancestor’s souls. This is commonly done in the form of a spirit chest on the family altar, filled with fruits and flowers. These objects are then set alight to be consumed by the spirits.

In addition to the offerings, people also light up lanterns and oil lamps in front of their homes, placing them in places where the spirits can view them easily. Incense burning is also prevalent as it is believed to purify the atmosphere and create an ambiance for the spirits to be comforted and feel appreciated.

Ullambana in China

In China, Ullambana is not only a holiday for the living, but also a time for those who have passed away to be remembered. On this day, people gather to offer prayers to the dead and to share food with the spirits. Gifts and paper offerings are given in order to show respect and remembrance. In some places, the most commonly rewards includes roasted wheat, glutinous rice, tea, candy, fruit, and money.

Paper offerings take the form of paper models of houses, cars, and ships, as they symbolize the receiver’s fortunes and longevity. People in China also like to pay respects to their deceased relatives in the form of ancestral rites, or “jingsi”. Ancestral rites vary from family to family, but at the core of it is the act of paying respects to the dead.

Ullambana in Japan

Ullambana is also celebrated in Japan, albeit with a slightly different set of rituals compared to its origin in India. In Japan, Ullambana is commonly referred to as “Obon” and is a time for families to honor their ancestors. It is typically celebrated on the 15th day of the seventh moon of the lunar calendar.

People gather at family gravesites to pay respect and offer prayers. Later they will return to their homes to light candles and incense, and offer food to the spirits. Obon festivals are also held, where locals will often gather to celebrate with dance, music, and fireworks. These festivals typically involve eating traditional Japanese cuisine, such as osechi-ryōri and tamagoyaki, as well as drinking sake to show their love and respect for the deceased.

Ullambana in Sri Lanka

In Sri Lanka, Ullambana is commonly referred to as “Esala Perahera”, or “Night of Light Processions”. This is a grand religious festival celebrated by all areas of Buddhist society. It is held in honor of the Buddha’s tooth relic, which is paraded through the streets. The festival consists of a procession with ornately adorned elephants, drummers, dancers, and musical instruments.

During the procession, offerings are given to the participating deities. In addition, symbolic treasures such as jewels, flowers, fruits, and sweets are given to appease the gods and ward off evil spirits. On the night of the procession, a large lantern called the “Kiributtuva” is constructed and raised by the priests to honor the tooth relic.

Conclusion

Ullambana is a holiday celebrated in many countries around Asia, with a variety of traditions and rituals. Each country has its own unique way of celebrating the holiday, but the common thread between them is the act of paying respect and honoring the spirits of the departed. From lighting a lantern in India to holding a procession in Sri Lanka, Ullambana is a holiday that will always carry a special significance to Buddhism believers.

How to Say "Ullambana" In Different Languages?