Pakistan: Vesak celebrations in Lahore from May 21

Event

Lahore is set to host a four-day annual "Vesak Mela" beginning on Friday, May 21, to mark the anniversary of Gautama Buddha, Buddhism's primary figure. The mela will be held at Punjabi Complex, and a number of Buddhist monks, as well as visitors from Sri Lanka are expected to attend. Security is likely to be tight around the complex, and transportation disruptions in its vicinity are possible.

Context

Vesak Day (also known as Buddha Day) honors Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and passing away, and is the most important day in the Buddhist calendar. It corresponds to the full moon of the ancient lunar month of Vesakha and generally falls in May or early June.

Advice

Individuals are advised to account for potential travel disruptions. Avoid all large gatherings and remain vigilant at all times.

On a separate note, due to the high threat of terrorism (as well as kidnapping and sectarian violence), some Western governments advise their citizens against nonessential travel to the country, where foreign nationals, in particular Westerners, may be directly targeted.