Bodhi Day 2024: History Bodhi Day's origins can be found over 2,500 years ago in the life of Siddhartha Gautama, a prince who gave up his royal existence after seeing suffering in the world.

Dec. 8 marks the celebration of Bodhi Day in Japanese Buddhism. Bodhi means enlightenment or awakening in Sanskrit. It commemorates the enlightenment of Siddhartha Gautama, who became the Buddha.