Buddha Purnima, also known as Vesak, is a significant Buddhist festival that commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and passing away (Parinirvana) of Gautama Buddha. Celebrated on the full moon day of May (Vaisakh), it holds immense spiritual importance for Buddhists worldwide. The festival is marked by various rituals, meditations, prayers, and cultural events at key locations associated with Buddha's life, such as Bodh Gaya and Sarnath in India.
Buddha Purnima is highly significant as it commemorates three major events in the life of Gautama Buddha:
1. The birth of Gautama Buddha in Lumbini, Nepal around 563 BC.2. His attainment of enlightenment under the Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya at age 35.3. His passing into Nirvana at age 80 in Kusinara.
The full moon day in May is considered auspicious for Buddhists, as these three pivotal events occurred on a Purnima (full moon day). Buddha Purnima is celebrated with great enthusiasm across Asia, especially in India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, China, Japan, Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, and other countries.
On this day, Buddhists visit temples, light candles, offer prayers, meditate, and make offerings of flowers, incense, and food. They also donate to charity, help the needy, and strive to follow Buddha's teachings of compassion, non-violence, and ending suffering. The day is marked by a sense of spiritual renewal and commitment to living a righteous life.
Buddha Purnima is a time to reflect on the profound wisdom and timeless message of Gautama Buddha, who showed humanity the path to end the cycle of rebirth through enlightenment. His life and teachings continue to inspire millions across the world even 2,500 years later.