Festival and celebrations

IIE DIGITAL DESK : Buddha Purnima, one of the most revered festivals for Buddhists around the world, will be celebrated on May 12, 2025, marking the birth anniversary of Siddhartha Gautama, who later became Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism and believed by many in the Hindu tradition to be the ninth incarnation of Lord Vishnu.

The festival is observed on the full moon day in the month of Vaisakha (usually April or May), and it is celebrated not just as the day of Buddha’s birth, but also his enlightenment (nirvana) and death (parinirvana), making it a spiritually profound occasion for millions 

Buddha Purnima is commemorated with prayers, sermons, meditation, and acts of compassion. Devotees gather at Buddhist temples, monasteries, and holy sites like Bodh Gaya, Sarnath, and Kushinagar, which are deeply associated with the life of the Buddha. The celebrations are serene and solemn, with chanting of Buddhist scriptures and the lighting of lamps symbolizing the removal of ignorance through enlightenment.

Many also observe Dana (the practice of giving), distributing food, clothes, and necessities to the poor. Vegetarian meals are prepared and shared, and the day is often spent in silent introspection or listening to discourses about the Buddha’s teachings on compassion, non-violence, and the Middle Path 

Born as Prince Siddhartha Gautama in Lumbini (present-day Nepal) around the 6th century BCE, he renounced his royal life after encountering the realities of old age, sickness, and death. Seeking the ultimate truth, he meditated under the Bodhi Tree in Bodh Gaya, where he attained enlightenment and became the Buddha, meaning “the awakened one.”

He spent the rest of his life teaching the path to liberation through the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, emphasizing mindfulness, ethical conduct, and inner discipline. His teachings laid the foundation for Buddhism, a religion that now spans continents and influences millions across cultures.

Hinduism, Gautama Buddha is often regarded as the ninth avatar of Vishnu, symbolizing divine descent in human form to guide beings toward dharma (righteousness )

While Buddha Purnima is observed in many countries like Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, and Japan, in India, the day is marked with fervour in regions with Buddhist heritage. The Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, becomes a focal point for pilgrims and tourists alike. Offerings of flowers, candles, and incense fill the air as monks and followers meditate and pray.

Even outside Buddhist communities, many in India observe the day as a moment of universal peace, reflection, and respect for the enlightened one whose message transcends religious boundaries.

As Buddha Purnima 2025 approaches, it invites everyone to pause, reflect, and walk a step closer on the path of peace, mindfulness, and compassion.