Buddha Purnima

Fast Facts

Buddha Purnima is observed to mark the birth anniversary of the founder of Buddhism, Lord Buddha. It is celebrated all over the country in the month of Vaisakha of the Hindu calendar. People gather in Bodh Gaya on this day.

Did You Know

The day is celebrated to commemorate three significant incidences of Lord Buddha’s life which took place in this single day. It is on the day of Buddha Purnima that Lord Buddha was born, attained enlightenment and achieved Nirvana during the time of his death.

Must Do

Pray and utter summons related to the life of Lord Buddha. Recite religious discourses from the Holy Scriptures. Meditation is a major event that is observed on this day. Colorful processions are taken out to mark this auspicious day. The sacred Maha Bodhi tree is wonderfully decorated and decked up with fresh flowers and colorful flags.

Introduction

Buddha Purnima is observed to mark the birth anniversary of the founder of Buddhism, Lord Buddha. It is enjoyed by the Buddhists all over the country with great excitement and enjoyment. Buddha Purnima is celebrated all over the country in the month of Vaisakha of the Hindu calendar. The day is celebrated on the night of the full moon during the month of April or May. To celebrate this auspicious day, people gather in Bodh Gaya to make this day a successful one.

Buddha Purnima is counted as one of the chief religious festivals of the Buddhists. The day is celebrated to commemorate three significant incidences of Lord Buddha’s life which took place on this single day. It is on the day of Buddha Purnima that Lord Buddha was born, attained enlightenment and achieved Nirvana during the time of his death. This day is of great importance to the Buddhists all over the country.

Buddha Purnima is one of the major festivals of India that is celebrated with great fan fare and excitement. Various events and celebrations are arranged so as to make the day a grand event. People pray and utter summons related to the life of Lord Buddha. Religious discourses are recited from the Holy Scriptures. Meditation is a major event that is observed on this day. Colorful processions are taken out to mark this auspicious day. People get drenched in festivity and unite near the statue of Lord Buddha. The sacred Maha Bodhi tree is wonderfully decorated and decked up with fresh flowers and colorful flags.

The celebration of the Buddha Purnima goes back to a long historical background. The mention of the festival is found even in the ancient works of the Chinese scholar, Fa-Hien. In Sri Lanka, this festival is referred to as Wesak festival in Sri Lanka. The day of this festival is decided according to the Lunar year. Though Bodh Gaya is the most important place for the celebration of Buddha Purnima, Lumbini, Sarnath and Kushinara also celebrates this festival with great fervor. Apart from India, this festival is celebrated in other Buddhist countries like Laos, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Tibet, Burma, Bhutan, Thailand, Korea, Mongolia, China, Cambodia, Nepal and Japan.

To celebrate Buddha Purnima, people light up their homes, streets and temples. Colorful lanterns and electric lights are used for decoration. Birds are freed from their captivity on this day. People distribute food, clothes and other basic amenities to the sick and poor people. A festival awaited by the Buddhists all over the globe-Buddha Purnima is celebrated with a lot of pomp and show.