Buddha Purnima, also known as Buddha Jayanti or Vesak, is an annual celebration observed on the first full moon of the Hindu calendar month Vaishakha. This significant day commemorates the birth of Lord Gautam Buddha, born as Prince Siddhartha Gautam in Lumbini, present-day Nepal, around 563 BC. In 2024, Buddha Purnima will be observed on Thursday, 23rd May. Buddhists worldwide celebrate this auspicious occasion with great fervor, honoring the life and teachings of the Buddha.

Historical and Spiritual Significance
Buddha Purnima holds a profound place in the hearts of Buddhists as it marks the three pivotal events in Buddha’s life: his birth, enlightenment, and Parinirvana (death). Born as a prince, Siddhartha Gautam renounced his royal life in search of truth and enlightenment. After years of rigorous meditation and self-discipline, he attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, India, and became the Buddha, the “Awakened One.”

How to Celebrate Buddha Purnima
Temple Visits
One of the most common ways to celebrate Buddha Purnima is by visiting temples and monasteries. Devotees pay homage to the Buddha by offering flowers, candles, and incense at shrine rooms and stupas. These offerings symbolize the impermanence of life and serve as a reminder to follow the Buddha’s path of wisdom and compassion.

Bathing of the Buddha
The Bathing of the Buddha is a symbolic ritual where devotees pour water over the shoulders of Buddha statues. This act represents purification and renewal, symbolizing the cleansing of one’s mind from negative thoughts and actions. The ritual is often accompanied by chanting and the offering of scented water, enhancing the spiritual atmosphere.

Giving Alms
Almsgiving, known as Dana, is a key practice during Buddha Purnima. Buddhists participate in acts of charity and generosity, donating food, clothing, and other necessities to monks, temples, and the less fortunate. This practice reflects the virtue of generosity, one of the fundamental teachings of the Buddha, and helps cultivate a sense of community and compassion.

Lantern Processions
In some countries, especially in East Asia, lantern processions are held in the evening. Participants carry brightly lit lanterns while chanting Buddhist sutras. These processions symbolize the light of wisdom dispelling the darkness of ignorance, illuminating the path of enlightenment. The sight of countless lanterns lighting up the night sky is both mesmerizing and deeply symbolic.

Global Observance
Buddha Purnima is celebrated with various traditions across different cultures and countries. In India, the celebrations are marked with prayer meetings, meditation sessions, and sermons on the teachings of Buddha. In Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Myanmar, processions and public feasts are common, while in Japan and Korea, the day is celebrated with Hanamatsuri, a flower festival.

Buddha Purnima is not only a day of celebration but also a time for reflection on the profound teachings of the Buddha. As devotees gather to honor the life of Lord Buddha, they are reminded of the core principles of Buddhism: compassion, humility, and the quest for enlightenment. By engaging in rituals such as temple visits, the Bathing of the Buddha, giving alms, and participating in lantern processions, Buddhists around the world reaffirm their commitment to these timeless values. As we observe Buddha Purnima on 23rd May 2024, let us embrace the spirit of enlightenment and compassion, striving to bring peace and harmony to our lives and the world.