Buddha Purnima 2024: This sacred festival celebrates the birth of Prince Siddhartha Gautama, who became Gautama Buddha and founded Buddhism.
Also known as Buddha's Birthday, Buddha Day, or Buddha Jayanti, this day is a major event for Buddhists around the world.
Primarily a Buddhist festival, Buddha Purnima is celebrated in South, Southeast, and East Asia, including countries like India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet, Thailand, China, Korea, Laos, Vietnam, Mongolia, Cambodia, and Indonesia.
It falls on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Vaisakha, which is usually in April or May.
This year, Buddha Jayanti is on Thursday, May 23, 2024, marking the 2586th birth anniversary of Gautama Buddha.
- Purnima Tithi Begins:** 6:47 pm on May 22, 2024 - Purnima Tithi Ends:** 7:22 pm on May 23, 2024
While the exact dates of Buddha's birth and death are uncertain, historians estimate his lifespan to be between 563-483 BC.
Born in Lumbini, Nepal, Gautama Buddha attained Nirvana at the age of 35. Buddha Purnima is a day to reflect on Buddhism's core principles: peace, compassion, and enlightenment.
In some regions, this festival coincides with Vesak, which celebrates Buddha's enlightenment and his passing into Nirvana. The day emphasizes spreading the message of peace and harmony.
1. Birth: Prince Siddhartha was born in Lumbini Grove on the full moon in May.
2. Enlightenment: He attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya after six years of ascetic practice.
3. Nirvana: After 45 years of teaching, he passed away at the age of 80 in Kusinara, achieving Nibbana (Nirvana), which signifies release from the cycle of rebirth.
Buddhists celebrate Buddha Purnima with great devotion and joy.
They participate in various religious ceremonies and rituals, reflecting on Buddha’s teachings and striving to embody his principles of peace and compassion.
The day is marked by prayers, meditation, and acts of kindness, aiming to spread the message of peace and harmony.