When is buddha purnima celebrated

Neighbouring Southeast Asian countries too, celebrate this day during the Vaisakha month of the Buddhist and Hindu calendar, which is usually the month of April or May according to the Western Gregorian calendar.

This day is also known as Vaishak Purnima and Vesak Day. Siddhartha Gautama was born as the prince of Kapilavastu and was named Siddhartha by his parents. According to a prediction before his birth t was said that this child will either be a great ruler or a great monk. As Buddha turned 29 he was able to witness life outside the palace. Gautama Buddha first witnessed three things, an old man, a dead body and sick man.

These three sights made him realize life is full of sorrow and is just a temporary phase. Siddhartha Gautama renounced the princely life after witnessing the three sights horrible sights. Bodhi Temple is the location where Lord Buddha is said to have attained enlightenment.

Buddha Purnima celebration is all about praying with the purest of feelings, and adopting what Buddhism stands for — peace, non-violence and harmony.

Click here to join our channel indianexpress and stay updated with the latest headlines. Thirdly, after 45 years of teaching the Truth, when he was eighty, at Kusinara, he passed away to nibbana, the cessation of all desire, on the full moon day of May. Gautama Buddha preached Dharma duty , non violence, harmony and kindness. He left his worldly possessions and princedom at the age of 30 to lead a life searching for the truth, seeking penance in the hopes of liberating himself from suffering duhkha.

On this day, Buddhists and believers of Buddhism around the globe offer prayers, meditate, observe fasts and discuss the teachings of the Buddha. There is also a tradition of taking dips in the holy river Ganga as it is believed this washes away sins. However, this year on account of rising coronavirus cases and deaths, people have been advised to not celebrate the festival in a manner that will flout Covid safety rules and regulations.

Buddha is considered as the ninth Vishnu avatar reincarnation according to Hindu beliefs. There is immense significance attached to Buddha Purnima. Buddhist communities around the world, monasteries offer prayers, chant, meditate, observe fast, discuss His sermons and cherish his teachings.