The Parinirvana is a celebratory Mahayana Buddhist holiday which falls on the 15th of February. However, some people have a proclivity towards observing it on the 8th of February instead. It commemorates the transcendence of Buddha outside his physical body on the day he deceased; attaining complete Nirvana – the ultimate goal of Buddhism. Albeit it is usually commemorated in East Asia, some Buddhist groups due west also engage in celebratory festivities.

The day is typically observed by reciting excerpts from the Nirvana Sutra recounting the final days of Buddha’s life. On that day, people often have the propensity of engaging in meditation, or visiting Buddhist temples and monasteries. Furthermore, that day is considered by many as a day of reflection – contemplating the life, future, and death of one’s own self, as well as of loved ones.