Buddha Purnima

Buddha Purnima or Buddha Jayanti, also called Vesak is one of the biggest festivals for the followers of Buddhism. This auspicious day marks the birth anniversary of Gautam Buddha, His enlightenment, and death. As this day commemorates the three significant events in the life of Gautama Buddha it holds immense religious significance for followers of Buddhism.

Buddha Purnima or Buddha’s birthday is observed on the Purnima (full moon day) in the month of Vaisakh of the traditional Hindu calendar and during the months of April-May in the Gregorian calendar.

Buddha Purnima 2021 is on May 26, Wednesday

Buddha Purnima is an auspicious day even for Hindus and is observed with full devotion and dedication in the whole country. In India, this day is declared as a gazetted holiday in several states. In the northern regions of the country, Lord Buddha is believed to be the 9th avatar of Lord Vishnu (after Sri Krishna who is the 8th incarnation). However, the theories slightly differ in other regions.

Irrespective of the belief the day of Buddha Purnima is celebrated with the same love and affection towards Gautama Buddha, all across India. Not only this but the festivities of Buddha Purnima can also be witnessed in the neighboring countries of Nepal and Sri Lanka.

Significance of Buddha Purnima

The day of Buddha Purnima is very important for followers of Buddhism, in India as well as abroad. Gautama Buddha was a very renowned spiritual leader who denounced all the worldly pleasures to lead a simple and contented life. He preached the principles of equality and love for all living creatures. Lord Buddha is considered to be the founder of Buddhism. It is believed that the day of Buddha Purnima is thrice blessed as it celebrates the three prestigious events in the life of Gautama Buddha. On this chosen day people remember the teachings of this great saint. His teachings have used a means to end the sufferings and miseries in life.