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Festival Profile

Buddha Purnima

Birth, enlightenment and nirvana of Gautama Buddha, a day of peace and reflection.

All festivals

Buddha Purnima commemorates the birth, enlightenment and parinirvana of Gautama Buddha, a day of peace and reflection.

Stories behind the festival

The enlightened one

Kali Yuga
Prince Siddhartha Gautama renounced the palace to seek the truth of suffering. After deep meditation under the Bodhi tree, he attained enlightenment and became the Buddha, teaching the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path.
Buddhist tradition

Why we celebrate

Buddha Purnima commemorates the birth, enlightenment and parinirvana of Gautama Buddha, a day of peace and reflection.
Buddhist tradition

When

Buddha Purnima falls on the full moon (Purnima) of the Hindu month of Vaishakha (April-May).

Since when it is followed

Buddha lived in the 6th-5th century BCE; his birth anniversary has been observed since ancient times.
Buddhist tradition

Who celebrates / for whom

Celebrated by Buddhists worldwide and Hindus in India.

Origin

The origin is the life of Gautama Buddha, born in Lumbini in the 6th century BCE, who attained enlightenment and taught the path of peace.
Life of the Buddha (6th century BCE)

Key deities

Gautama Buddha.

How to celebrate

Visit Buddhist temples, offer prayers and light lamps, meditate, and listen to the teachings of the Buddha.

Rituals & offerings

Prayers, lamp lighting, meditation, and the recitation of the Buddha's teachings.

Key facts

Buddha Purnima marks three key events of the Buddha's life: birth, enlightenment and parinirvana.
Buddhist tradition