The festival is celebrated in various ways by different groups. For certain northern Indians, it marks the beginning of a New Year, while some in the business community close accounts and ceremonially open new ones for the New Year. Vesak falls on the full moon day in the fifth month of the year. Temples are also decorated with flags, lights and flowers, and vegetarian meals are served to those present. Gifts in cash and kind are distributed to the poor and needy through charitable organisations, regardless of their race or religion.
Buddhist youths participate in mass blood donation exercises held in hospitals.
Some Buddhists also visit homes for the aged, drug rehabilitation centres and prisons to share the joy of Vesak with the inmates. To the Christians, Christ's birth is an initiative taken by God to reconcile man to Him and to redeem man from sin. The event is marked by special Christmas services in churches. In the week prior to Christmas, many Christians visit homes to sing Christmas carols. Crowds admiring a shopping centre fa ade resplendent with Christmas decorations.