Buddha Purnima Celebrations Highlight Significance of Buddhist Traditions
Desk Report, May 23, 2024: Buddha Purnima, also known as Vesak or Buddha Day, commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Prince Siddhartha Gautama, who later became known as the Buddha and founded Buddhism. This significant festival is celebrated by the Buddhist community worldwide, including in countries such as Sri Lanka, Indonesia, and Malaysia. The date typically falls in April or May, based on the Asian lunisolar calendars. During leap years, it is observed in June.
The festival holds special importance within the Buddhist tradition, observed across South, Southeast, and East Asia. According to tradition and archaeological findings, Gautama Buddha was born around 563-483 BCE in Lumbini, Nepal. Queen Maya Devi gave birth to him during a journey to her ancestral home. His father was King Śuddhodana. The Mayadevi Temple and an Ashoka Pillar from 249 BCE mark the site of Buddha’s birth in Lumbini.
Buddha Purnima’s celebration date varies annually in the Western Gregorian calendar. It usually falls in April or May, but in leap years, it may be in June.
Grand Procession in Bodh Gaya
On the 2,568th birth anniversary of Lord Buddha, a grand procession was held in Bodh Gaya, Bihar. Thousands of devotees from different states and countries, including Sri Lanka, Thailand, Cambodia, Tibet, Myanmar, Vietnam, and Bhutan, gathered for the event. Devotees carried the Panchsheel flag and chanted “Buddham Sharanam Gachchami.”
The celebration also observed Trividh Jayanti, marking Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and Mahaparinirvana, believed to have occurred on Vaishakh Purnima. The procession traveled various points before concluding at the Mahabodhi Temple, a World Heritage Site. It commenced near the 80-feet-tall statue of Lord Buddha.
Holy Dip in Haridwar
Thousands of devotees gathered in Haridwar to take a holy dip and offer prayers on Buddha Purnima. The city witnessed a massive influx of worshippers at various Ganga ghats, including Har ki Pauri. The Uttarakhand Police, in a post on X, mentioned the effort to ensure orderly and comfortable bathing for all devotees. Karan Singh Nagnyal, IG, Garhwal Range, reviewed the arrangements at Har ki Pauri ghat in anticipation of the large crowd.
Buddha Purnima remains a vital occasion for Buddhists worldwide, honoring the profound impact of Gautama Buddha’s life and teachings.
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