中文

Birthday of Guanyin Bodhisattva

Lunar Month 2, Day 19 every year

The 19th day of the 2nd lunar month is Guanyin's birthday. Guanyin has three important observance days: Birthday (2nd/19), Enlightenment Day (6th/19), and Ordination Day (9th/19).

Guanyin (Goddess of Mercy) Birthday — Dates by Year

Year Gregorian Date Day
2024 3/28 Thu
2025 3/18 Tue
2026← this year 4/6 Mon
2027 3/26 Fri
2028 3/14 Tue
2029 4/2 Mon
2030 3/22 Fri

About the Deity

Guanyin (Guānshìyīn Púsà) is Buddhism's Bodhisattva of Compassion, whose Sanskrit name Avalokiteśvara means "the one who perceives the world's sounds of suffering" — she hears all cries and comes to aid. Revered by Taiwanese Buddhists, Taoists, and folk believers alike, she appears in many forms: White-Robed Guanyin, Thousand-Armed Guanyin, and Child-Sending Guanyin are among the most common in Taiwanese temples.

Three Sacred Days

Guanyin has three important lunar calendar observances, all on the 19th: Birthday on the 19th of the 2nd month (most celebrated), Enlightenment Day on the 19th of the 6th month, and Ordination Day on the 19th of the 9th month. Each occasion draws large temple gatherings with ceremonies, processions, and animal liberation rites. Devotees observe a vegetarian diet on these days, believing prayers carry double merit.

Offerings & Prayers

Vegetarian offerings are preferred: white lotus or chrysanthemum flowers, fruit, cakes, and clean water. Guanyin's vast compassion extends to all prayers — health, peace, seeking children, or asking for inner strength in difficult times. Temple divination blocks and fortune sticks are common ways to seek her guidance. Many devotees regard Guanyin as a spiritual mother figure, turning to her for comfort and protection.