Buddha Purnima 2020: History and Significance about Gautam Buddha’s birth anniversary

The birth anniversary of Gautam Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, is celebrated as Buddha Purnima or Buddha Jayanti.  Buddha Purnima is a major festival celebrated with great pomp and fervour in countries like Sri Lanka (where it is called Vesak), India, Nepal, Bhutan, Burma, Thailand, Tibet, China, Korea, Laos, Vietnam, Mongolia, Cambodia, Singapore and Indonesia, though celebrations vary from country to country. Devotees of Buddha visit temples, light candles and incense sticks, pray and offer sweets and fruits before the statue of Lord Buddha. Sermons on the life and teachings of Buddha are held and attended by followers all over.

In India, a large fair takes place in Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh, a major Buddhist pilgrimage site where Buddha is said to have delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. This day is celebrated by organising fairs near temples as 'Vesak'. It is believed that Gautam Buddh attained nirvana or enlightenment on this tree under Bodhi Tree. Taking a dip in river ganges/ Ganga is considered sacred on this day. But, due to lockdown stay at home and worship Lord Buddha. According to Hindu Panchang, Buddh Purnima is observed during the month of Vaisakh and falls during the month of April or May. In leap years, it falls during the month of June. This year Buddh Purnima will be observed on May 7.