New
New
Year 10
Eduqas

Buddhist festivals in Britain

I can explain the importance of Buddhist festivals for Buddhists living in Britain today.

New
New
Year 10
Eduqas

Buddhist festivals in Britain

I can explain the importance of Buddhist festivals for Buddhists living in Britain today.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. The 2021 census shows the number of individuals identifying as Buddhist in England and Wales has increased since 2011.
  2. Wesak and Parinirvana Day are the two principal festivals observed by Buddhists, including those residing in Britain.
  3. The Sangha, or Buddhist community, plays a significant role in the lives of Buddhists living in the United Kingdom.
  4. The Triratna community are dedicated to practising the teachings of the Buddha within the context of western society.
  5. The Buddhafield Festival offers a meaningful opportunity for individuals to engage with community and nature.

Keywords

  • Festival - a day or period of celebration

  • Parinirvana Day - a festival which marks the Buddha’s death and when he achieved Nirvana/Nibbana

  • Sangha - the Buddhist community, including monks and nuns

  • Triratna community - trying to practise the Buddha’s teachings in the conditions of the modern world

  • Wesak - a Buddhist festival celebrating the Buddha's birth, enlightenment and death

Common misconception

Buddhist festivals are only celebrated by Theravada and Mahayana Buddhists.

There is a diverse and growing community of Westerners who are converts to Buddhism, including the Triratna Buddhist Community.


To help you plan your year 10 religious education lesson on: Buddhist festivals in Britain, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Teach Buddhist festivals and retreats to consolidate the learning in this lesson.
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This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Prior knowledge starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Buddhists might go on a to focus on meditation and deepen their understanding of the Dhamma.
Correct Answer: retreat
Q2.
During the ‘Bathing the Buddha’ ceremony, is poured over the statue’s shoulders to symbolise cleansing the mind.
Correct Answer: water
Q3.
What can Buddhists gain by making donations during Kathina?
A reward from the monks
A free meal at the vihara
Correct answer: Positive karma
Q4.
Which festival marks the end of the rainy season?
Wesak
Correct answer: Kathina
Parinirvana Day
Q5.
What does the festival of Wesak celebrate?
the rainy season
the building of temples
Correct answer: the Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and death
Q6.
What is Parinirvana Day focused on?
Correct answer: the Buddha’s final Nirvana
the Buddha’s enlightenment
the Buddha’s first teaching

Assessment exit quiz

Download quiz pdf

6 Questions

Q1.
The 2021 census shows the number of individuals identifying as Buddhist in England and Wales has .
Correct Answer: increased
Q2.
Why is the Sangha especially important for Buddhists living in Britain?
it provides social activities
Correct answer: it gives a sense of belonging and identity
it replaces visiting the vihara
Q3.
The Buddhist festival of celebrates the Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and death.
Correct Answer: Wesak
Q4.
What is the Triratna community known for?
following traditional monastic life
only studying ancient texts
Correct answer: focusing on Buddhist practice in modern society
Q5.
What happens at the Buddhafield Festival?
Correct answer: Buddhists connect with community and nature
only monks are allowed to attend
it is held only in temples
Q6.
Buddhist festivals are only celebrated by Theravada and Mahayana Buddhists.
True – only these two traditional schools celebrate Buddhist festivals
False – Only Buddhists in Asia celebrate these festivals
Correct answer: False – Buddhist festivals are also celebrated by Western converts e.g. Triratna