Festivals & holy days

The days on which the Medicine Buddha is celebrated in Japan, in the Chinese Buddhist world and in the Tibetan tradition. Every date comes from the temple or institution that holds it.

Yakushi ennichi, the 8th of every month

When: Every month, on the 8th
Where: Japan

In Japan, the 8th of every month is Yakushi's day (薬師縁日). At Yakushi-ji in Nara, a reading of the Great Wisdom Sutra is held that day at 11 am in the Kondō, followed by a talk at 1 pm. 8 January is called “Hatsu-Yakushi”, the first of the new year; 8 December, “Osame-Yakushi”, the last. A few temples keep the 12th instead, echoing the twelve vows.

Note: Next dates: 8 November and 8 December 2026 (Osame-Yakushi), 8 January 2027 (Hatsu-Yakushi).

Sources

Hana-e Shiki (修二会花会式), Yakushi-ji, Nara

When: 25 to 31 March, every year
Where: Nara, Japan

Yakushi-ji's largest annual rite. For seven days, ten monks perform a repentance liturgy before Yakushi six times a day in the Kondō. Some 1,700 handmade artificial flowers of ten kinds (plum, cherry, peony, chrysanthemum…) adorn the altar, hence the name “flower ceremony”. By tradition, Emperor Horikawa first offered them in thanks for the Empress's recovery. On the evening of the 31st, five torch-bearing demons are driven out by Bishamonten (Oni-oi shiki).

Note: Next edition: 25 to 31 March 2027.

Sources

Medicine Buddha festival (药师佛圣诞), 30th day of the 9th lunar month

When: 30th of the 9th lunar month (8 November 2026)
Where: Chinese Buddhism

In Chinese Buddhism, the Medicine Buddha's birthday is kept on the 30th of the 9th lunar month. Temples recite the Sutra of the Original Vows and light lamps before the Buddha, often over several days. In 2026 the day falls on Sunday 8 November: Fo Guang Shan's Dong Zen Temple in Malaysia, for instance, holds its service from 6 to 8 November.

Note: This year it falls on the same day as the Japanese Yakushi ennichi: 8 November 2026.

Sources

Menla day, the 8th of the Tibetan month

When: The 8th of every Tibetan calendar month
Where: Tibetan tradition

In the Tibetan tradition, the 8th day of the lunar month is a favoured day for Medicine Buddha (Sangye Menla) practice. Every month on that day, the monks of Sera Mey Monastery offer the extensive Medicine Buddha puja, a liturgy in which they specialise. The Tibetan calendar does not follow ours: the date shifts every month, and FPMT publishes the calendar.

Note: To find this month's date, see FPMT's calendar of practice days (link below).

Sources

Dates checked on 15 October 2026 against the sources cited. Times can change: check with the temple before you travel.