Buddha Purnima

Buddha Purnima which is celebrated to commemorate the birth of Lord Buddha. This year it will be the 2,585th birth anniversary of Lord Buddha. It is also known as the “Vesak Day” as it is celebrated in the month of Vaisakha. This was the spiritual day when Lord Buddha attained salvation and enlightment under the Mahabodhi tree which is located at “Bodh Gaya” in the state of Bihar. The festival of Buddha Purnima falls on the full moon night which signifies the importance of enlightment, liberation and peace in our life. As per scriptures, Many Hindus believe Buddha to be the ninth incarnation of Lord Vishnu who appeared on the earth to establish the religion and spread knowledge, fraternity and restore the value of peace and harmony in life. The occasion of Buddha Purnima is celebrated by the Buddhists and Hindus by following every religious ritual and the day is viewed as a cultural festival which lasts for three days to one week.

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 2023 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.

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.