Buddha Purnima:
Buddha Purnima, sometimes called Buddha Jayanti, commemorates the birth of Prince Siddharta Gautama, who went on to establish Buddhism and earn the title of Buddha. Purnima, which means “full moon” in Sanskrit, is a Hindu/Buddhist festival that falls on a full moon day in the month of Visakhi. Jayanti translates to “birthday.”
Buddhists celebrate Buddha Purnima, also called Buddha Jayanti or Vesak. Across the nation and other nations like Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Malaysia, etc. the Buddhist community celebrates this festival, which commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Gautama Buddha. The celebration is highly anticipated and well observed. Buddhists participate in a variety of religious ceremonies and rituals in honor of the day, which they celebrate with great devotion and delight.
Buddha Holiday Time and Date:
The main observation of the Buddhist and Hindu calendars is the Buddha’s birthday, which is based on the lunisolar calendars of Asia and corresponds to the month of Vaisakha in the Vikram Samvat calendar. It is observed on the full moon day of the Buddhist calendar month of Vaisakha in the historical places where the Buddha lived, modern-day India and Nepal. According to the Western Gregorian calendar, the date changes from year to year but typically occurs in April or May. May 12, 2025, marks the 2587th anniversary of Gautama Buddha’s birth. The Buddha Purnima tithi starts at 8:01 p.m. on May 11 and lasts until 10:25 p.m. on May 12.
Significance of the Buddha Jayanti
It is a very important day for people who follow Buddhism all over the world. Gautama Buddha, one of the most famous and influential spiritual teachers of all time, renounced all earthly possessions and worldly pleasures and chose to live a life of humility and spirituality, the Buddha recommended no standard of virtue and after philosophy. He established Buddhism.
In North India people believe that Lord Buddha is the ninth incarnation of Lord Krishna and the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. But in the southern regions, people do not think of Buddha as an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Furthermore, Buddhists do not view Buddha as Lord Vishnu’s incarnation. It is a day to consider the three main Buddhist precepts: Such attributes as enlightenment, compassion and peace. This is a great opportunity to promote blessings of peace and order. Some of the festivals include Buddha Purnima, also known as Buddha Jayanti, and Vesak Day.
Symbol
It is usual to see the sign of the dharma wheel during Vesak. Another name for the Dharma wheel is the dharmachakra. There are eight ribs on it. This wheel is a representation of Gautam Buddha’s important teachings. Eight struts represent the golden eightfold path of Buddhist society.
Buddha Purnima’s history
Although Buddha’s disciples did not officially commemorate his birthday, festivals in his honor have been celebrated over centuries.The festival of Buddha Purnima was not formalized till recent times. Buddha Purnima became a recognised Vesak celebration in 1950, when the World Fellowship of Buddhists held its inaugural conference in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Because Buddha reached enlightenment on a full moon day, May’s full moon was chosen. Vesak has been a customary event in Mahayana Buddhism for centuries. Gautam Buddha was born at Lumbini in 563 BCE, according to the Theravada Tripitaka scriptures. Lumbini is currently a part of Nepal.1950 saw the first recognition of Vesak as Buddha Purnima. The World Fellowship of Buddhists’ inaugural conference made that decision. Vesak festivals gained official recognition as Buddha Purnima in 1999. A significant day for Buddhists is Vesak.The day celebrates the conception, life, and enlightenment of the Buddha. Among Buddhists, it is one of the festivals that is most widely observed.
Buddhism’s ideals of equality for women, respect for life, and nonviolence have helped it become more and more popular. Many Asian countries adopted Buddhism as their primary religion as a result of these principles, which struck a chord with both conventional and contemporary ideas of progress. Buddhism has undergone cultural adaptation, giving rise to several sub-sects. Because it rejects the celebration of gods, this worldview is inclusive and well-liked by a wide range of people all across the world.
Essential Lessons from the Buddha
The four noble truths are that the world is full of suffering, its absence causes suffering, the denial of desire will resolve suffering, and the eighth path will help to conquer desire. The Eightfold Path comprises the following: right idea, correct intentions, correct words, correct deeds, correct life, correct exertion, correct attention and right orientation. It was a path of change and self-discovery which was applied to fight adversity and achieve ascension. The foundation of the Eightfold Path is the idea that everyone has the capacity to change and arrive at the highest level of contentment and serenity.
Buddha also held that a person’s circumstances in life are determined by their own actions. Hence he supported what can be referred to as the law of Karma that is the belief that what one does in the current life determines what he or she does in the next life. As much as the Law of Karma deals with actions of people, the latter is compelled to act morally and responsibly.
Buddha also stressed on the aspect of fraternity and rule of reasonable conduct. He also emphasized the importance of equality stating that one should not discriminate against another person based on their gender, caste, or any other aspect.His teachings encouraged empathy, kindness, and compassion for all living things. In conclusion, the main themes of Buddha’s teachings are compassion for all living things, social equality, ethical behavior, and self-development.
Celebrations of Buddha Purnima Worldwide:
India
On the festival of Buddha Jayanti, a large number of devotees travel to Bodh Gaya in Bihar. Lord Buddha gained enlightenment at the Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Bodh Gaya. Indian Buddhists go to monasteries, called viharas, to offer prayers to the Enlightened One. Monks recite the full sutras in his honor while discussing the life and teachings of the Buddha.
On Vesak, Buddhists wear white robes as a symbol of the non-violent, peaceful teachings of the Buddha. Avoid non-vegetarian foods, garlic, onions, scallions, and chives on and around the day of observance. Rather, people like kheer, a delicious porridge composed with milk, rice, saffron, jaggery, and dry fruits.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka celebrates Vesak with a week-long celebration that is more complex and involves religious and charitable activities that people of various religions participate in. Donors, religious organizations, and humanitarian groups construct electrically illuminated pandals in Colombo, Kandy, and Galle that depict Jataka tales, or thoranas. During Vesak, Sri Lankans hang colorful lanterns called Vesak kuudu in their houses and on the streets, casting a comforting glow over the nation.
Tibet
In Tibet, the month-long traditional celebrations of Buddha Purnima continue for even longer. Tibetans travel to Lhasa and Ngari on pilgrimages during this time.Giving to charity is highly valued because it is thought that good deeds performed during this month will reap far greater rewards. Purchasing and releasing animals to prevent their slaughter or confinement is but one instance.
Nepal
Vesak, also known as Buddha Jayanti, is a recognised holiday in the country. Swayambhu, also known as the Monkey Temple, draws devotees from all over the nation since Vesak is the only day this sacred site is open to the public. Many people also travel to Lumbini, the birthplace of Gautam Buddha, in remembrance of him.
China
The place where the majority of Mahayana Buddhists reside celebrates Vesak as Fodan. The main focus of Chinese celebrations is the Yùfójié ceremony, also known as the Buddha’s bathing. The statue of the newborn, Buddha, whose left index finger points down towards the earth and the right index finger up towards the skies, represents the birth of the prince. Monks pour perfumed, blessed water over it.
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Thailand
Everywhere around the nation is filled with the sound of Visakha Puja prayers.
Malaysia
Early in the morning, followers of Buddha Purnima, also known as Vesak, assemble at temples to engage in prayer, meditation, and candle processions.
Indonesia
Buddhists in Indonesia observe some very unique customs on this day. They stroll around their temple, reciting the mantras and meditation as part of the Pradaksina ritual. Another customary ritual among monks is pindapata, which involves them requesting money as a symbol of their humility.
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FAQs for Buddha Purnima
Q1. When is Buddha Purnima?
Ans- Buddha Purnima is celebrated in the month of Vaisakha, on the full moon day roughly in April or May. It can change every year depending on the differences in the Gregorian calendar. It is decided that, in the year 2025, Buddha Purnima will be celebrated on the 12 th of May.
Q2. Why is Buddha Purnima celebrated?
Ans- It is celebrated to pay tribute to the idol’s birth, enlightenment and finally his attainment of Nirvana or Parinirvana – the final death of Gautama Buddha. It is the day when Buddhists celebrate him and the teachings while contemplating on his contribution towards the development of spirituality.
Q3. Whose birthday is Buddha Purnima?
Ans- Buddha Purnima is the birthday of prince Siddharta Goutama who later on became Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism.
Q4. Can we eat non-veg on Buddha Purnima?
Ans- It is therefore customary that Buddhists do not eat non-vegetarian food, especially on the Buddha Purnima so as to respect the non-violent principles of Lord Buddha. Some people also chive others foods such as garlic and onions.
Q5. When was Buddha born and died?
Ans- Gautama Buddha was born in 563 BCE in Lumbini Nepal and died in 483 BCE attaining Parinirvana at Kushinagar ,India.
Q6. What are the key teachings remembered in Buddha Purnima?
Ans- Celebrated in Buddha Purnima, the followers contemplate upon the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path that were propounded by Buddha. These teachings concern the possibility to transcend suffering and patterns of one’s life through moral virtue, knowledge, and mental training.
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