23rd May 2024: This year, the auspicious festival of Buddha Purnima falls on May 23. Buddha Purnima, also known as Buddha Jayanti, is a significant event that marks the birth of Prince Siddhartha Gautama, who later became known as the Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. This sacred festival is celebrated on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Vaisakha, which falls in April or May.
Historical Significance
Buddha Purnima commemorates the birth of Gautama Buddha, born around 563-483 BCE in Lumbini, Nepal. According to Buddhist tradition and archaeological findings, this day is of immense historical and spiritual importance. Born into great luxury, Prince Siddhartha was predicted to become either a great monarch or a revered religious leader. To prevent him from choosing the religious path, his father kept him isolated from the outside world.
However, Siddhartha eventually ventured out of the palace and was moved by the suffering he witnessed. He renounced his luxurious life to become a wandering ascetic, seeking enlightenment. His quest for truth led him to meditate under a banyan tree, where he attained enlightenment and became the Buddha. He spent the rest of his life preaching the path to enlightenment and founded Buddhism, a religion that emphasizes compassion, ethical living, and mindfulness.
Celebrations Across the World
Buddha Purnima is celebrated with great devotion and joy by Buddhists all over the world. The day is observed prominently in regions such as Sikkim, Ladakh, Arunachal Pradesh, Bodh Gaya, Lahaul and Spiti district, Kinnaur, and various parts of North Bengal including Kalimpong, Darjeeling, and Kurseong. In Maharashtra, which is home to 77% of India’s Buddhist population, the festival is celebrated with special fervour. It is also observed in other parts of the country following the Indian calendar.
Across South, Southeast, and East Asia, the festival is marked by various religious ceremonies and rituals. Temples and homes are decorated, and devotees participate in prayers, chanting, and meditation.
The Thrice-Blessed Festival
Buddha Purnima is often referred to as the ‘thrice-blessed festival’ because it celebrates three major events in Buddha’s life: his birth, enlightenment, and nirvana (death and final liberation). These milestones in Buddha’s life are remembered and honoured with reverence, reflecting on his journey and his teachings.
1. Birth: Siddhartha Gautama’s birth is celebrated with joy and gratitude, acknowledging the beginning of a life that would transform the spiritual landscape of the world.
2. Enlightenment: This marks the moment when Siddhartha, through deep meditation and insight, attained enlightenment and became the Buddha. This event is a source of inspiration for all who seek wisdom and inner peace.
3. Nirvana: Buddha’s attainment of nirvana, the ultimate release from the cycle of birth and rebirth, is also commemorated, emphasizing the goal of spiritual liberation.
Buddha Purnima is more than a religious festival; it is a celebration of Buddha’s teachings, which continue to resonate in modern times. His messages of compassion, mindfulness, and ethical living are universal values that promote cultural unity and peace. In today’s fast-paced world, his teachings offer a path to mental clarity and emotional resilience.
Festivals like Buddha Purnima also provide an opportunity to reflect on and appreciate the rich cultural heritage associated with Buddhism. They bring communities together, fostering a sense of shared history and collective reverence.