Buddha Purnima, also known as Vesak, is falling on 29th April and will be Celebrated on 30th April in India this year. It is a festival that commemorates the birth anniversary of Siddhartha Gautam, who later became Gautam Buddha. Gautam Buddha is founder of Buddhism. The timings of Purnima Tithi are from 06:37am on April 29 to 06:27am on April 30, 2018.This festival is celebrated in India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Tibet, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, Philippines, China, Japan, South Korea, North Korea, Taiwan and many other countries. It celebrated by offering prayers and fruits to idols of Lord Buddha. People also observe fast, meditate and recite various scriptures.
Significance of Buddha Purnima
Buddha Purnima or Vesak is very significant for Buddhists. It is believed that birth, death and the enlightenment of Lord Buddha, all have taken place on this day.
Celebration in India
As it falls on the full moon day (Purnima), the occasion is referred to as Buddha Purnima in India. India is the place where Gautam Buddha got enlightenment so grand celebration takes place at Gaya, Kushinagar and Sarnath. On this day, devotees pray, meditate and chant mantras. They make fruits and sweets’ offerings to the Buddha idols. On this auspicious day, Kheer is most widely prepared sweet.
Facts about Buddhism
- Buddhists don’t believe in a supreme being or creator god.
- Sri Lankans celebrate Buddha Prunima as Vesak, which is distorted form of Baisakh.
- There are more than 376 million followers of Buddhism worldwide.
- Buddhists believe that nothing is fixed or permanent. Change is always possible.
- Buddhism originated from around 400BC with the historical individual known as the Buddha.
- On the occasion of Vesak, Buddhist don’t consume liquor and non-vegetarian as Buddha promotes peace.
- The Buddha founded an order of monks and nuns known as the Sangha who have preserved his teachings down to the present day.
- In Buddhism, there is no single holy book. Extensive scriptures have been preserved in many Asian languages.
- There are two main sects in Buddhism- Hinayana Buddhism and Mahayana Buddhism. Apart from these, there are many more.
