Buddha Purnima is a special day for Buddhists. It celebrates the birth of Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism.
This festival is known by different names like Buddha’s Birthday, Buddha Day, or Buddha Jayanti. It is celebrated in many countries in South, Southeast, and East Asia. These include India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet, Thailand, China, Korea, Laos, Vietnam, Mongolia, Cambodia, and Indonesia.
The festival is observed on the full moon day in the Hindu month of Vaisakha. This usually falls in April or May. Buddhists celebrate this day with great joy and take part in religious activities and rituals.
Buddha Purnima 2024 Date: The full moon day is on May 22, 2024, starting at 6:47 pm. It ends on May 23, 2024, at 7:22 pm.
History and Importance: Historians believe Gautama Buddha lived between 563-483 BC. He was born in Lumbini, Nepal, and attained enlightenment at age 35.
Buddha Purnima is a day to reflect on Buddhism’s core principles: peace, compassion, and enlightenment. In some regions, it coincides with Vesak, celebrating Buddha’s enlightenment and passing into Nirvana.
The full moon is significant as three major events in Buddha’s life occurred on this day:
- His birth in Lumbini
- His enlightenment under the Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya
- His passing into Nirvana at Kushinara at age 80, after 45 years of teaching.
The festival promotes messages of peace and harmony.