Budhha Purnima, the auspicious festival, is just around the corner. The celebration, also known as Buddha Jayanti, honours the birth anniversary of Lord Gautam Buddha, who is considered as the founder of Buddhism. On this day, followers swear to follow Gautam Buddha’s teachings, take a bath early in the morning to wash oneself of all pollutants, clean their homes, and participate in festival customs. Additionally, Buddha Purnima holds cultural and spiritual significance for the global community who follow Buddhism and is celebrated majorly in East Asia and South Asia, including India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet, Thailand, Tibet, China, Korea, Laos, Vietnam, Mongolia, Cambodia, Indonesia, and more. Find out all about the date, history, significance and celebrations related to Buddha Purnima below.
Buddha Purnima 2023 Date:
Buddha Purnima is marked on a full moon day in the month of Vaisakh. This year, it falls on May 5. The date coincides with Penumbral Lunar Eclipse. While the precise dates of Buddha’s birth and death are unknown, historians typically estimate his lifespan to be between 563-483 BC. This year marks the 2585th birth anniversary of Gautam Buddha. According to Drik Panchang, the Purnima Tithi on Buddha Jayanti will commence at 4:14 am on May 5, 2023, and conclude at 3:33 am on May 6, 2023.
History and Significance:
Celebrated majorly in East Asia and South Asia, the significant and auspicious festival of Buddha Purnima marks the birth anniversary of Prince Siddhartha Gautam or Gautam Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. Gautam Buddha was born in Lumbini, Nepal. He attained Nirvana at the age of 35.
It is believed that a full moon day is auspicious for Buddhists because three major events in the life of the Gautam Buddha took place on this day. The full moon in May holds the most importance as Prince Siddhartha was born at Lumbini Grove. Secondly, after six years of hardship, Prince Siddhartha Gautam attained enlightenment under the shade of the Bodhi tree and became Gautama Buddha at Bodh Gaya. Thirdly, after 45 years of teaching the Truth, when he was eighty, at Kusinara, he passed away to Nibbana (Nirvana) – release from the cycle of rebirth.
Celebrations:
On Buddha Purnima, devotees begin their day by cleaning their homes, taking a bath and sprinkling Gangajal around the house. They also light a candle and adorn their homes with flowers, create a swastika with Haldi, roli or kumkum in front of the entrance door, and light a candle and pour milk near the Bodhi Tree. Additionally, people donate food and clothes to those in need.
Famous Buddhist monasteries and temples in India you must visit
1/5 The Mahabodhi Temple Complex, Bodh Gaya: A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the birthplace of Buddhism. It is home to the famous Bodhi Tree, where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment.
2/5 Sanchi Stupa, Madhya Pradesh: A magnificent Buddhist monument that dates back to the 3rd century BCE. It is famous for its intricate carvings and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
3/5 Hemis Monastery, Ladakh: One of the largest and most famous monasteries in Ladakh. It is known for its colorful festivals, ancient thangkas, and rare Buddhist artifacts.
4/5 Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh: The headquarters of the exiled Tibetan government and home to the Dalai Lama. It is a thriving center of Tibetan Buddhism and culture.
5/5 Tawang Monastery, Arunachal Pradesh: One of the largest and most important monasteries in India. It is known for its towering golden statue of Lord Buddha, ancient scriptures, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
