ॐ Hindu Of Universe ॐ
“God’s light is within you, It never leaves you.”
“Just as a candle cannot burn without fire, men cannot live without a spiritual life.”
Buddha
Buddha Purnima, also known as Buddha Jayanthi or Vesak (Vaisakha in Sanskrit) is an auspicious festival celebrating the birth, enlightenment (Nirvana), and death (Pari nirvana) of Lord Gautama Buddha. According to the oldest Buddhist texts, Buddha Purnima is the most auspicious day for Buddhists living all over the world.
As per the teachings of Hindu mythology, Lord Buddha is considered as the ninth avatar (incarnation) of Lord Vishnu.
Buddha Purnima or Vesak is traditionally observed on the full moon day of the lunar month Vaisakha (April – May) in the Hindu calendar, and hence the name Vesak.
Lord Buddha was a great spiritual teacher, Guru, and philosopher.
Lord Buddha, “the enlightened one” had transcended Karma and escaped the cycle of birth.
Gautam Buddha was born on a full moon night in 563 BC and on this very day, He attained enlightenment, and later at the age of eighty he passed away (attained Moksha).
He was a divine-human being whose affection and compassion for living beings became a miracle on earth and His acts were equivalent to God.
Buddha Purnima Rituals: Buddha Purnima or Buddha Jayanti (Vesak) is an auspicious festival that reminds us to follow a simple and honest path laid by Gautam Buddha.
Following are some simple steps to celebrate Buddha Purnima:
• Take a holy bath in the morning and wear only white or orange-colored clothes to maintain purity.
• Decorate the Bodhi (peepal) tree with flags and flowers.
• Place a small statue of Lord Buddha in a water-filled basin over which devotees can pour water.
• Lit lamps and incense sticks around the Bodhi tree and pour water at the roots of the holy tree.
• Sit in front of the holy tree and practice meditation.
• Recite prayers and the holy sermons of Gautam Buddha’s life.
Offer clothes and kheer (sweet rice porridge) to the poor and needy.
• Worship Lord Buddha’s statue and work out your own salvation.
• Buddha Purnima is a festival that reminds honesty, humanity, and freedom. So, on this day give freedom to birds and animals in the cages.
On this auspicious day of Buddha Purnima, one should take a vow to follow ‘Panchsheel’, the five principles of Buddha’s teaching – Not to take Life
• Not to Steal
• Not to Lie
Not to consume Alcohol
Not to commit Adultery
Powerful Mantra to chant on this day: This powerful mantra is helpful to overcome physical, emotional, mental blocks.
The only thing required is not to cling to any outcome. “Om Mani Padme Hum”
‘Om’ – represents the Supreme element.
‘Ma’ – represents Ethics which controls jealousness.
‘Ni’ – signifies Patience that controls passion and desire.
‘Pad’ – represents Diligence that purifies ignorance.
‘Me’ – represents Renunciation that purifies your greed. ‘Hum’ – signifies Wisdom which controls all the above.
Significance of Buddha Purnima: Buddha Purnima or Vesak holds immense religious significance for the followers of Buddhism sects.
East Asian countries like China, Korea, Japan, Thailand, Sri Lanka where Buddhism reached its peak celebrate Buddha Purnima or Buddha Jayanti with a grand ceremony.
On this holy day, a large number of devotees visit Buddhist temples with flowers, candles, and joss-sticks, and lays them at the feet of the teacher which is a symbolic remembrance of the non-sustainability of life.
The followers of Lord Buddha celebrate this festival not only to pay homage to Him but also to recall and implement His divine teachings in their day-to-day life.
According to His teachings, desires, or attachment to the materialistic world is the basic cause of all sufferings.
He gave us the eightfold path which explains that Right belief, Right intention, Right living, Right conduct, Right word, Right thinking, Right efforts, and Right meditation are the keys to keeping away the sufferings as well as to live a happy life.
Legend of Buddha: A divine boy named Siddhartha was born in a Hindu Kshatriya family belonging to the Ikshvaku dynasty, in Lumbini in modern-day Nepal to the king of Kapilavasthu Shuddhodana.
According to ancient Buddhist textbooks, shortly after his birth, a great astrologer named Asita prophesied to King Shuddhodana that his son would either become a popular king or renounce the materialist world to become a sage or holy man.
The astrologer also explained that the future of a prince depends on what life he would see outside the big walls of this palace.
King Suddhodana was quite worried, he only wanted his son to succeed on his throne and thus, kept Siddhartha unaware of the tragic life outside the palace.
Prince Siddhartha was brought up in such a way that he was completely unaware of the pain and difficulties of the common man until he became inquisitive to visit other places outside the palace.
One day prince Siddhartha insisted his chariot driver to take him to the streets, where he can meet people of his kingdom.
During his visit to the streets, He had encountered a series of four sights that moved his heart.
Different Buddhist literatures clearly describes that prince Siddhartha had come across a crippled man, a dead body, a sick person, and finally an ascetic holy man who has triumphed over worldly temptations and attained the highest bliss of life.
Like the youth of today, he was confused about what he had seen outside His palace.
He wanted clarity and an understanding of the truth of a happy life. Finally, he decided to give up all worldly pleasures and came out of His Kingdom in search of the truth.
One midnight, at the age of 29, he bade goodnight to his wife, son, and father and became a wandering monk.
He went out on a spiritual quest and undergone several austerities during the first seven years of his quest.
He abandoned the pleasures and wandered many places in Nepal and India in search of the real meaning of a happy life.
At last, he got enlightened under a banyan/ Peepal tree at Bodh Gaya (in present-day Bihar, India), where he had meditated for years.
The divine light of enlightenment dawned on Buddha on the Vaisakha Purnima (full moon day in the month of Vaisakha), under that Peepal tree.
Thereafter, he guided people to understand and address the problems of their life with a positive state of mind.
Day-by-day thousands of devotees enjoyed His divine teachings and with deep respect, they started calling Him as Gautama Buddha.
It is believed that Lord Buddha left the mortal world, attained Nirvana on the same date of Vaishakha Purnima.
He gave rise to a new religious and philosophical movement that was widely accepted by countries of southern and eastern Asia.
In India, Bodh Gaya is a famous place of pilgrimage and Lord Buddha is revered as an avatar of Lord Vishnu.
Summary: Buddha Purnima is the biggest festival for the Buddhist community living all over the globe and they celebrate every moment of it with sincerity and honesty.
It is believed that knowing Gautam Buddha, learning about his life and teachings, brings awareness about the true nature of human life.
Lord Buddha is the spiritual teacher and an ideal guide to achieving mental peace and bliss.
He taught the world that desire and attachments are the main sources for all types of sufferings.
On this auspicious Buddha Day, one should follow the “Eightfold path” to receive His blessings and to have peace of mind.
Buddha Purnima
Buddha Purnima is a Hindu festival that takes place on the full moon night of the month of Vaisakh to honour Siddhartha Gautam’s birth.
It will be celebrated on May 5 this year.
One of the most significant festivals on the Buddhist calendar is Buddha Purnima, also known as Vesak or Buddha Jayanti.
In most countries in Southeast Asia, it celebrates the Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and death and is observed on the full moon day of the Vaisakha month (April/May).
Millions of Buddhists around the world celebrate the festival, which is a time for prayer, meditation, and spiritual rebirth.
Buddha Purnima : History
The introduction of the Buddha is accepted to have occurred in Lumbini, Nepal, a while back 2,500 years ago.
Legend has it that after being born Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha took seven steps, each one accompanied by a lotus flower blooming beneath his feet.
On Buddha Purnima, this event is celebrated as the Buddha’s birth.
The Buddha’s enlightenment, or nirvana, is regarded as his most significant event.
As per the Buddhist scriptures, he meditated under a Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, Bihar, and experienced enlightenment.
Buddhists all over the world commemorate this event by meditating, praying, and showing compassion and kindness to others.
It is believed that Kushinagar was where the Buddha died, also known as Parinirvana.
His final escape from the cycle of birth and death is thought to have come with his passing.
Buddhists observe Buddha Purnima as a day of recitation of the sutras, flower and incense offerings, and temple visits.
Buddha Purnima : Importance and celebration
Buddhists observe Buddha Purnima as a time to reflect on the Buddha’s teachings, reaffirm their commitment to the path of enlightenment, and make an effort to follow in his footsteps in their own lives.
Buddha Purnima is a time for cultural celebrations as well as spiritual practices.
Buddhists celebrate the occasion with parades and festivals in many nations, including India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.
They make traditional dishes like sweet rice porridge and decorate homes and temples with colourful lanterns and flowers.
In nations like Vietnam and the Philippines, the awakening and demise of the Buddha are seen as individual holidays.
Buddha Purnima : Quotes of Buddha
• “Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon, and the truth.”
• “The mind is everything. What you think you become.”
• “Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without.”
• “All that we are is the result of what we have thought.”
• “Better than a thousand hollow words is one word that brings peace.”
Buddha Purnima : This year, Buddha Purnima will be celebrated on May 5, .
Every year, it is observed on the full moon day of the Baisakh month (April or May). Take a look at puja time, significance, some motivational quotes by Buddha, and wishes.
Buddha Purnima : Buddha Purnima is also known as Buddha Jayanti, Vesak, Vaishaka, and Buddha’s Birthday.
It is observed on the full moon day of the Baisakh month annually, that is April or May. This year, it will be celebrated on May 5, .
It is believed that on Buddha Purnima, Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment.
The day is not far away, so take a look at the puja timings, its significance, some inspirational quotes by Lord Buddha, and wishes to share on the day.
Buddha Purnima is a significant day as on this day Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment.
The day is commemorated by Buddhists and Hindus across the world and is a major festival in countries like India, Nepal, Bhutan, Burma, Thailand, Tibet, China, Vietnam, Mongolia, Cambodia, Singapore, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, etc.
and every country celebrates the festival in their own way.
Buddha Purnima : Tithi and Puja Time
As per sources, the tithi of Purnima is expected to begin on May 4, – 11:44 PM, and will end at 11:03 PM on May 5, .
The birth name of Gautama Buddha was Siddhartha Gautama.
He was born c. 6th–4th century BCE, Lumbini, near Kapilavastu, Shakya republic, Kosala kingdom (now in Nepal).
Buddha’s birth anniversary is observed as Buddha Purnima.
It is believed that on this day, he attained enlightenment. He died at Kusinara, Malla Republic, Magadha kingdom (now Kasia, India).
Buddha Purnima : Story
Prince Siddhartha was the name given to Lord Buddha at birth.
His mother Maya was a Koliyan princess, while his father Suddhodana was the leader of the Shakya tribe.
He once discovered a dead body, a sick man, and an elderly man.
He desired to look into the causes of the sorrow.
At the age of 29, he left his home in search of the causes of all his sorrow.
He then looked into other teachings, entered a deep meditation, and when he awoke at the age of 35 with all the solutions, he was popular as Mahatma Buddha.
He gave all the people sermons on how to live a spiritually-based life. He exhorted them to follow a spiritual path.
Buddha Purnima : Significance
Lord Buddha preached Dharma (duty), non-violence, harmony, and kindness. At the age of 30, he left his worldly possessions and princedom to lead a life in search of truth and also to seek penance in the hopes of liberating himself from suffering.
It is believed that on this day, on the full moon day of May, three major events occur in the life of Lord Buddha. Firstly, Lord Buddha was born as Siddhartha Gautama in Lumbini.
Secondly, after some years of hardships, he attained enlightenment under the shade of the Bodhi tree.
Thirdly, after teaching several years of truth, he passed away when he was eighty years old at Kusinara.
Buddha Purnima : Celebration
On this day, people across the world offer prayers to Lord Buddha and seek knowledge and wisdom.
Some people may visit Buddhist temples and make donations to the needy. Some devotees meditate, observe fasts, read the holy scriptures of the Buddhist religion, etc.
Also, people celebrate Buddha Purnima by sharing wishes and quotes of Lord Buddha with their near and dear ones.
Buddha Purnima
Buddha Purnima commemorates the birth, attainment of enlightenment and passing away of Lord Buddha.
Also called Buddha Jayanti and Vesak, the festival is observed on the full moon day of the lunar month, which corresponds with the months of April-May.
On this day, devotees from around the country wear white clothes, exchange greetings and preach his teachings (dharma).
One of the most vibrant celebrations can be witnessed in Bihar’s Bodhgaya, where Lord Buddha is said to have attained enlightenment under a banyan tree.
The popular Mahabodhi Temple, which shelters a tree that has grown from the original banyan tree, is lit up with bright lights, decorated with flowers and welcomes devotees, pilgrims and visitors from around the world.
Sarnath (near Varanasi) in Uttar Pradesh also lights up for this festival as this is where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon to his disciples.
To mark the day, a large fair is held here and relics of the lord are taken out on caparisoned elephants for display.
About Buddha Purnima
Lord Buddha was born as Siddharth Gautam, as the prince of Lumbini in around 500 BC.
However, he soon realized the real pains and sufferings of life and attained enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree in Bodh Gaya.
He travelled across the country to preach Dharma to others.
Sarnath was the first place where he preached his teachings. Later he became the founder of Buddhism.
He attained Nirvana in the kingdom of Kushinagar and his followers have been preaching and following his teachings ever since.
Buddha Purnima became an officially recognized festival in the middle of the 20th century, but it had been celebrated for hundreds of years after Lord Buddha Died.
In 1950 the Buddhists met in Sri Lanka to decide on how to spread awareness about the religion.
They came up with the decision that the full moon of Vaishakh would be celebrated as Buddha Purnima to honour his life, and death.
How Do We Celebrate Buddha Purnima in India?
These are the rituals during Buddha Purnima:
- Ceremonies Before the Sunrise – During the dawn the Buddhists gather at a place of worship to celebrate Buddha Purnima.
They observe the festival with prayers and dance dedicated to Lord Gautam.
In some areas, devotees perform physical exercises and even martial arts.
Some places witness the march of the devotees.
It is to show that you are grateful to life and your health.
Some people sing hymns in praise to the lord.
- Buddhist Flag is Hoisted – At the rise of the sun on the day of Buddha Purnima, the temples and other religious sites hoist the Buddhist flag.
The modern flag of Buddhists has its origin in Sri Lanka, and it is of colours blue, red, orange, white, and yellow.
All these colours have different meanings behind them.
Blue is the representation of compassion.
Red symbolizes the blessings. Orange represents wisdom. White symbolizes the purity of Dharma.
And Yellow is for the Middle path, i.e. to abstain from the extremes.
- Donations – Buddhism is the religion that preaches humanity and teaches compassion, humility, and respect for all living beings.
- Donation is one way to show compassion. On Buddha Purnima, several temples host donations, and participants donate money or food to the monks.
- Caged Birds are Freed – Similarly, to show compassion, some people grant the most precious thing to the caged birds and animals, i.e. freedom on the occasion of Buddha Purnima.
What to Do During Buddha Purnima in India?
Buddha Purnima falls in May and is a holiday across the country.
You can pay a visit to the shrines and attend the ceremonies to learn about Buddhist culture.
The practices and rituals are all related to soul cleaning and can help you experience peace.
On the day of Buddha Purnima, government offices are closed, and stores and businesses may be closed too.
All the businesses managed by Buddhists are closed.
Also, You can visit the Buddhist temple and donate money or food for the monks to pay a tribute to Gautam Buddha on the occasion.
Buddha Purnima
All You Need to Know about Buddha Purnima
Indians celebrate a lot of different festivals in a year, and Buddha Purnima is one of the greatest and most significant ones among them.
Buddha Purnima is an Asian festival celebrated according to the traditional Hindu calendar and Buddhist calendars.
It holds immense religious significance for the followers of Buddhism as it commemorates the birth anniversary of Lord Buddha.
This year, it falls on Friday, 5 May .
People nowadays celebrate every festival with enthusiasm but don’t know the importance of those festivals.
So, this Buddha Purnima, not only celebrate it with your family and friends but also read this article to know the importance of Buddha Purnima.
What is Buddha Purnima
Buddha Purnima celebrates the birth of Siddhartha Gautama Buddha.
It is celebrated on the Full Moon Day of Vaisakh.
For Buddhists, Buddha Purnima is the most significant day, because on this day three important events of the Buddha’s life took place: His birth, His attaining enlightenment, and His death, Paranirvana. On this day, people celebrate the Thrice Blessed Festival.
Birth of Gautama Buddha
Today, we are going to learn about the birth of Gautama Buddha, also known as Siddhartha Gautama Buddha
Gautam Buddha was born in Lumbini, which is now part of Nepal.
It’s been more than 2,500 years since he was born and this year 5th of May will be his 2585th Birth Anniversary.
His father was King Suddhodana, the head of the Shakya clan in the developing state of Kosala and his mother was Queen Maya Devi who died seven days after giving birth to Gautama Buddha.
Gautama Buddha was raised in a prosperous family, but the suffering he witnessed in the world deeply troubled him.
He, therefore, gave up his life at the age of 29, he left his palace and began a spiritual quest, seeking enlightenment and finding a way to end human suffering.
He spent many years studying and meditating, until one day he had a special experience that helped him understand how to overcome suffering.
He spent the rest of his life teaching others about compassion, mindfulness, and non-attachment to worldly desires, which became the foundation of Buddhism, a new religion.
Importance of Buddha Purnima
Buddha Purnima or Buddha Jayanti, also known as Vesak or Vaisakhi Buddha Purnima, is an auspicious day that marks three significant events in the life of Gautam Buddha – his birth anniversary, enlightenment, and death.
According to the traditional Hindu calendar, Buddha Purnima is observed on the Purnima (full moon day) in the month of Vaisakh. However, as per the Buddhist calendar, there are two full moon days in the month of May
As per the Gregorian calendar, the day falls on May 5, this year. But why is Buddha Purnima celebrated on this particular day?
It is because it is said that Prince Siddhartha Gautama was born on the Purnima Tithi (full moon day) in 563 BC in Lumbini Grove (modern-day Nepal).
After six years of renouncing his position as a Prince and facing hardships, he attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree at Bodh Gaya to become Gautama Buddha, which was also the full moon day of May.
The seeker, after 45 years of preaching his Truth, passed away at the age of eighty at Kusinara – on the full moon day of May.
How is Buddha Purnima Celebrated?
Buddha Purnima is commemorated by Buddhists and Hindus all over the world, particularly in the Asian countries of India, Nepal, Tibet, China, Bhutan, Malaysia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Korea, Singapore, Indonesia Laos, Vietnam, Mongolia; however, each country has its own way of celebrating Buddha Purnima.
On Buddha Purnima, Buddhists and followers of Buddhism across the world devote themselves to praying, fasting, meditating, and recalling the teachings of Lord Buddha.
In the wake of Buddha Purnima, the Buddhist monasteries, houses, and temples are all flamboyantly decorated with garlands and colourful flags.
The popular ceremony includes worshipping the statue of Baby Buddha as it marks a new beginning.
In India, people traditionally take dips in the holy river Ganga to wash away their sins.
They also visit the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya to pray.
In China, people observe the festival by visiting pagodas and lighting incense, candles, and lanterns, while the Japanese celebrate the day with flowers and organise ‘Hanamatsuri’ (Flower Festival) where Buddha statues are decorated with flowers and bathed with a special flower juice.
Buddhists in South Korea give out free food and light up lotus lanterns to mark the auspicious day.
Here are Some Important ‘Buddha Purnima Quotes’
Buddha’s quotes offer profound wisdom for a mindful and fulfilling life. They stress the power of the mind, the value of compassion and love, and the inevitability of suffering.
Famous quotes include “
The mind is everything” and “In the end, only three things matter.”
These quotes remain influential today, inspiring people around the world and often celebrated during Buddha Purnima.
“The mind is everything. What you think you become.”
“The way is not in the sky. The way is in the heart.”
“To understand everything is to forgive everything”
“To conquer oneself is a greater task than conquering others”
“Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon, and the truth.”
Buddha Purnima Wishes
Here are a few wishes you can send to your loved ones on Buddha Purnima:
- May the teachings of Lord Buddha guide you towards a path of righteousness, happiness, and peace. Happy Buddha Purnima!
- On this auspicious day, let’s take a moment to reflect on Buddha’s teachings and strive to follow them in our daily lives. Wishing you a joyous Buddha Purnima!
- May the divine blessings of Buddha bring you hope, courage, and inner peace. Have a blessed Buddha Purnima!
- Let us celebrate the birth of Lord Buddha and the enlightenment he brought to the world. Happy Buddha Purnima!
- On this holy occasion, let’s vow to spread love, kindness, and harmony in the world. Wishing you a happy and peaceful Buddha Purnima!
Buddha Purnima
About mighty Gautama Buddha
Lord Gautama Buddha is one of the supreme and immensely educated godheads.
The mighty Buddha is the founder and the harbinger of Buddhism.
He discovers tremendous importance in Buddhism and Hinduism sects.
The commanding Lord Gautama Buddha is the eighth incarnation of Lord Krishna and the seventh manifestation of Lord Vishnu.
His values and morals help inferior human beings become better people.
Significance of Buddha Purnima
Buddha Purnima finds extensive importance in Vedas and ancient texts.
This day marks the birth anniversary of the legend Gautama Buddha.
It is believed that on this very day, Lord Buddha attained the most significant stages of enlightenment.
The great teachings and knowledge of Lord Buddha formulate the base of Buddhism. Buddha Purnima is also revered as a thrice-blessed festival.
Three critical events linked with Gautama Buddha’s life took place on Buddha Purnima.
Lord Buddha was born on this day; he even attained enlightenment on Buddha Purnima only.
The death of the mighty legend took place on Buddha Purnima, and he achieved samadhi in Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh, India.
How to celebrate Buddha Purnima
Buddha Purnima is celebrated by worshipping Lord Buddha.
Devotional programs are organised to celebrate the supreme divinity, Buddha.
Worshippers wear white clothes and celebrate the aura of Lord Brahma.
They consume only vegetarian food and meditate.
Devotees organise puja ceremonies and grand processions to mark the glorious day.
Tales and legends are narrated in Lord Buddha’s glory.
Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya Bihar is worshipped on this day.
Benefits of celebrating Buddha Purnima
Following are a few important ways to observe Buddha Purnima:
- Buddha Purnima brings the blessings and glory of Lord Buddha.
- It brings proficiency and wisdom to life.
- Devotees can cherish calmness and serenity in life by celebrating Buddha Purnima.
- It fulfils life with peace of mind and rejuvenation.
- The enchanting festival guides us towards the path of spiritual awakening and enlightenment.
- It helps get rid of sins and evil deeds of peaceful life.
- The pious festivity brings an optimistic aura and positive energies.
- It shatters ill-spells and evil forces.
- The festival helps attain the highest stages of peace and bliss.
If you want to seek all the above boons, then get in touch with us.
We will guide you about this beautiful festival with utmost precision.
Our team will guide you about this auspicious ritual, which will help you extract a multitude of boons from this festival.
What Is Buddha Purnima & How To Celebrate It?
Buddha Purnima is the celebration to mark the birth anniversary of Siddhartha Gautam or Gautam Buddha.
It is the major festival of Buddhism and is celebrated with enthusiasm and zest throughout not just India but around the globe wherever the Buddhist population resides.
On this auspicious occasion, people who follow Buddhism around the world offer their respect to Lord Buddha by performing puja and visiting holy shrines.
History of Lord Buddha
Gautam Buddha was born as Siddhartha to Suddhodana and Maya, king and queen of the Shakya clan. Long before his birth, it was foretold that he would either be a great ruler or a monk.
So he was confined in the palace by his father until the age of 29 when he finally went out.
He saw three sights, an old man, a sick man, and a dead body which deeply moved him and made him realize that life is full of sorrow.
He understood that everything is temporary in this world.
After this incident, he spends the next six long years in a forest to study the doctrines and yogic austerities.
It is said that he spent seven weeks in the shade of a Bodhi tree until he reached enlightenment or Nirvana.
He then later barked on the journey to preach his wisdom and message of peace for 45 years. He finally left the world at the age of 80.
Significance of Buddhism Purnima
Buddha Purnima is the celebration of Buddhism which stands for peace, non-violence, and harmony.
Buddha Purnima celebrates Gautam Buddha’s birthday, enlightenment, and death. It is the birth anniversary of Lord Buddha who was the founder of Buddhism.
The day also honors the philosophers, spiritual guides, religious leaders, and mediators who got liberated from the cycle of birth and rebirth.
It is a celebration of love and compassion.
Buddha Purnima falls on a full moon day in the month of Vaisakh (April/May) according to the Hindu calendar.
According to Hindu mythology and beliefs, Buddha was the ninth incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
How to celebrate Buddha Purnima?
Devotees of Buddhism visit temples, and light candles, and incense sticks.
They pray and offer sweets and fruits before the statue of lord Buddha.
Many Buddhists go to viharas to observe a rather longer-than-usual, full-length Buddhist sutra, akin to a service.
The dress code is generally pure white.
Sermons and teachings of Buddha are held and attended by followers of Buddhism all over the world to celebrate and honor this auspicious occasion.
And, devotees obtain from consuming non-vegetarian food as well.
There is a ritual/tradition of distributing and consuming kheer as the Buddhist lore, a woman named Sujata offered Buddha a bowl of milk porridge on this day.
Kheer is first offered to Lord Buddha as Prasad.
Along this, sweet dishes and fruits are consumed and distributed to celebrate the occasion.
Followers of Buddhism keep a statue of Buddha in a bowl filled with flower petals and water.
They offer honey, Joss sticks, candles, fruits, and flowers while singing hymns.
In many parts of the world, devotees release birds, animals, and insects from cages as a “symbolic act of liberation, empathy, and compassion for all living beings”.
This is one of the important teachings of Buddha. The relics belonging to Gautam Buddha are taken out for public display in a procession for devotees to view on this occasion.
In India, large fairs take place in Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh, a major pilgrimage site where Buddha is said to have delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment.
Bodhgaya, a major Buddhist site, celebrates the auspicious occasion with much enthusiasm.
Buddha Purnima is essentially the celebration of Gautam Buddha and his universal teachings that are still relevant.
The day brings people together in unity to spread the message of love, compassion, and empathy.
Buddha Purnima (बुद्ध पूर्णिमा)
Buddha Purnima is also called Vaishakh Purnima.
It is the birth anniversary of Gautam Buddha and also his Nirvana day. Bhagwan Buddha attained enlightenment on this day.
Today, more than 50 crore people in the world believe in Buddhism.
Buddha is the ninth incarnation of Vishnu for the Hindu religionists.
Therefore, this day is also considered sacred for Hindus.
For this reason, a place called Bodhgaya in Bihar is a holy place of pilgrimage for Hindus and Buddhists. Here he meditated harshly and finally he attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree at Bodh Gaya on the day of Vaishakh Purnima.
Since then, this day is known as Buddha Purnima.
Buddha Purnima is the biggest festival day for the followers of Buddhism.
In different countries, ceremonies are held according to the customs and culture of the country.
Buddha Purnima is also special for Hindu religious people:
It is described in the Hindu scriptures that Bhagwan Buddha was incarnated on this day, which is the 9th incarnation of Bhagwan Vishnu.
That is why Buddha Purnima is important not only for the followers of Buddhism but also for those who believe in Hinduism.
It has been said that doing charity on this day benefits a lot.
Followers of Hinduism pay homage to ancestors on this day.
Donate for the peace of the ancestors’ souls.
On the day of Buddha Purnima, people who believe in Buddhism are lit at the houses and decorate the house with flowers.