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Buddha Purnima 2024 Date and Timings: Buddha Purnima, also known as Vesak or Buddha Jayanti, is a significant and joyous festival observed by Buddhists worldwide. On this auspicious occasion, Buddhists celebrate the life and teachings of the Buddha, marking his birth anniversary and the day of attaining enlightenment (nirvana).
Celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion in India, Buddha Purnima is also celebrated in numerous countries across Southeast Asia, including Thailand, China, Cambodia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Tibet. Here is all you need to know about the day.
The Vaisakha month in the Buddhist and Hindu calendars, along with the Vikram Samvat calendar, marks Buddha’s moksha and birth anniversary. This significant event is calculated based on the lunisolar calendars prevalent in Asia.
Usually celebrated on the full moon day of the Vaisakha month in the Buddhist calendar, this observance takes place in the regions associated with the Buddha’s life, namely present-day India and Nepal.
While the date of Buddha’s birthday varies annually in the Western Gregorian calendar, it typically occurs in April or May. In 2024, this auspicious day falls on Thursday, May 23rd. As per Drik Panchang, Buddha Purnima timings are as follows:
Prince Siddhartha Gautama, born around 563 BC in Lumbini, modern-day Nepal, later known as Buddha, experienced a transformative journey that culminated in his enlightenment, referred to as nirvana. Raised in the kingdom of Kapilavastu under his father’s rule, he attained enlightenment through meditation beneath a Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, Bihar.
Legend holds that Gautama Buddha achieved liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth, embodying roles as a philosopher, spiritual mentor, religious figure, and dedicated meditator. In Hindu traditions, he is recognised as the ninth Vishnu avatar, symbolising reincarnation.
Buddha Purnima stands as a significant and celebratory occasion in the Buddhist calendar, honouring Gautama Buddha, the ‘Enlightened One’ who transcended ‘Karma’ and liberated himself from the cycle of rebirth.
The day is marked by visits to temples, meditation sessions, chanting of Buddhist scriptures, offering food and alms to monks, and engaging in charitable acts. Many Buddhists and Hindus also perform rituals like bathing in holy rivers, worshipping Lord Buddha and Lord Satyanarayan, and making offerings to the moon
