The minute Kannika opened her eyes, she remembered. Today wasn’t just any day. Today was a special day. Today was Bodhi Day! ​

​Bodhi Day was one of Kannika’s favorite days of the year. It was an important day for her Buddhist family. Bodhi Day marks the day that Siddhartha Gautama reached enlightenment. He meditated under a Bodhi tree for 49 days. After he reached enlightenment, he became known as the Buddha.​

To prepare for Bodhi Day, Kannika’s family decorated their house.  First, they put statues of the Buddha in all their rooms. Then, they strung colorful lights on their Bodhi tree. ​

​Today, there was even more fun to be had. Kannika jumped out of bed, ready to start. First, her family lit a candle to symbolize enlightenment. The candle would burn for 30 days. ​

​Next, they went to the food pantry. They always helped at the food pantry on Bodhi Day. It was important to perform acts of kindness toward people in honor of the Buddha. ​

​Then, they performed acts of kindness towards animals. Kannika walked the family’s dog. Her little brother fed the fish in their aquarium.​

​Mom and Dad spent some time meditating. They also studied the dharma and chanted sutras. When Kannika and her brother were a little older, they would join their mom and dad in these special religious rituals. ​

For dinner, the family ate rice and milk. Kannika thought it tasted delicious. These were the foods the Buddha ate after he reached enlightenment.​

​Kannika fell fast asleep after another special Bodhi Day. She couldn’t wait for next year to do it all again!