Buddha Purnima is traditionally celebrated to commemorate the birth of Siddhartha Gautama, who later became Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism.
Buddha Purnima is observed on the full moon night of the month of Vaisakh. This year, the festival will be celebrated on May 26 (Wednesday). The festival of Buddha Purnima is traditionally celebrated to commemorate the birth of Siddhartha Gautama, who later became Gautama Buddha and went on to become the founder of Buddhism. On this day, people celebrate Siddhartha's choice to embrace a spiritual quest wherein he renounced all worldly pleasures to become a holy man. He chose this life when he witnessed the suffering of common people. He was hence inspired to let go of his royal life.
Buddha's birth country is considered Nepal, and there this day is celebrated in accordance with the full moon day of the Vaisakha month of the Buddhist calendar. Neighbouring Southeast Asian countries too, celebrate this day during the Vaisakha month of the Buddhist and Hindu calendar, which is usually the month of April or May according to the Western Gregorian calendar. This day is also known as Vaishak Purnima and Vesak Day.
Buddha Purnima 2021: Tithi and timings
The Purnima tithi or time begins at 8:29 pm on May 25 and ends at 4:43 pm on May 26.
Buddha Purnima 2021: History
Siddhartha Gautama was born as the prince of Kapilavastu and was named Siddhartha by his parents. According to a prediction before his birth t was said that this child will either be a great ruler or a great monk. In fear of losing the crowned prince of Kapilavastu, Buddha’s family confined him to the portals of palace. As Buddha turned 29 he was able to witness life outside the palace. Gautama Buddha first witnessed three things, an old man, a dead body and sick man. These three sights made him realize life is full of sorrow and is just a temporary phase.
Siddhartha Gautama renounced the princely life after witnessing the three sights horrible sights. He went into deep meditation inside thick woods for the search of truth. After Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment or Nirvana, he got the most honoured title, Gautama Buddha.
Bodh gaya, a religious site for the pilgrims and devotees of Mahabodhi Temple Complex in Gaya district in Bihar, India. Bodh Gaya attracts the maximum number of pilgrims on Buddha Purnima.
Celebrations worldwide
Countries all over the world celebrate the essence of Buddhism on this day, and it is not limited only to Southeast Asia. The day is a public holiday in many countries, including China, India, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand and South Vietnam; Canada, Australia and United States (US), too, celebrate this festival by commemorating different ethnicities and cultures.
How India celebrates
People who have embraced Buddhism usually pay a visit to common Viharas to begin their celebration. There they observe a full-length Buddhist sutra which is very similar to a service. Non-vegetarian food is renounced for the day, and followers choose to dress in white. Consumption and distribution of popular Indian dish 'Kheer' is undertaken, because according to legend, a woman named Sujata offered a bowl of milk to Gautama Buddha.
Buddha Purnima celebration is all about praying with the purest of feelings, and adopting what Buddhism stand for- peace, non-violence and harmony.
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 "Buddha Purnima 2021: All about Gautam Buddha's birth and journey to enlightenment on Vaishakha Purnima")
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