Buddha Jayanti

Buddha Purnima

Buddha Purnima, which falls on the full moon night in the month of Vaisakha (either in April or May), commemorates the birth anniversary of Lord Buddha, founder of Buddhism, one of the oldest religions in the world. Notwithstanding the summer heat (temperatures routinely touch 45 degrees C), pilgrims come from all over the world to Bodh Gaya, the place where the Buddha attained enlightenment. The day is marked with prayer meets, sermons on the life of Buddha, religious discourses, recitation of Buddhist scriptures, group meditation, processions, worship of Buddha's statue and symposia. The Mahabodhi Temple wears a festive look and is decorated with colourful flags and flowers. Celebration of this festival has been recorded by the Chinese scholar, Fa-Hien.