Buddha Purnima 2023 - Friday, 5 May 2023

Indians celebrate a lot of different festivals in a year, and Buddha Purnima is one of the greatest and most significant ones among them. Buddha Purnima is an Asian festival celebrated according to the traditional Hindu calendar and Buddhist calendars. It holds immense religious significance for the followers of Buddhism as it commemorates the birth anniversary of Lord Buddha. This year, it falls on Friday, 5 May 2023.

People nowadays celebrate every festival with enthusiasm but don’t know the importance of those festivals. So, this Buddha Purnima, not only celebrate it with your family and friends but also read this article to know the importance of Buddha Purnima.

What is Buddha Purnima

Buddha Purnima celebrates the birth of Siddhartha Gautama Buddha. It is celebrated on the Full Moon Day of Vaisakh. For Buddhists, Buddha Purnima is the most significant day, because on this day three important events of the Buddha's life took place: His birth, His attaining enlightenment, and His death, Paranirvana. On this day, people celebrate the Thrice Blessed Festival.

Birth of Gautama Buddha

Today, we are going to learn about the birth of Gautama Buddha, also known as Siddhartha Gautama Buddha

Gautam Buddha was born in Lumbini, which is now part of Nepal. It's been more than 2,500 years since he was born and this year 5th of May 2023 will be his 2585th Birth Anniversary. His father was King Suddhodana, the head of the Shakya clan in the developing state of Kosala and his mother was Queen Maya Devi who died seven days after giving birth to Gautama Buddha.

Gautama Buddha was raised in a prosperous family, but the suffering he witnessed in the world deeply troubled him. He, therefore, gave up his life at the age of 29, he left his palace and began a spiritual quest, seeking enlightenment and finding a way to end human suffering. He spent many years studying and meditating, until one day he had a special experience that helped him understand how to overcome suffering. He spent the rest of his life teaching others about compassion, mindfulness, and non-attachment to worldly desires, which became the foundation of Buddhism, a new religion.

Buddha Purnima Information

Also Refer to Gautam Buddha Essay and Gautama Buddha Story

Importance of Buddha Purnima

Buddha Purnima or Buddha Jayanti, also known as Vesak or Vaisakhi Buddha Purnima, is an auspicious day that marks three significant events in the life of Gautam Buddha - his birth anniversary, enlightenment, and death. 

According to the traditional Hindu calendar, Buddha Purnima is observed on the Purnima (full moon day) in the month of Vaisakh. However, as per the Buddhist calendar, there are two full moon days in the month of May

As per the Gregorian calendar, the day falls on May 5, 2023 this year. But why is Buddha Purnima celebrated on this particular day? 

It is because it is said that Prince Siddhartha Gautama was born on the Purnima Tithi (full moon day) in 563 BC in Lumbini Grove (modern-day Nepal). After six years of renouncing his position as a Prince and facing hardships, he attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree at Bodh Gaya to become Gautama Buddha, which was also the full moon day of May. The seeker, after 45 years of preaching his Truth, passed away at the age of eighty at Kusinara - on the full moon day of May.

How is Buddha Purnima Celebrated? 

Buddha Purnima 2023 is commemorated by Buddhists and Hindus all over the world, particularly in the Asian countries of India, Nepal, Tibet, China, Bhutan, Malaysia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Korea, Singapore, Indonesia Laos, Vietnam, Mongolia; however, each country has its own way of celebrating Buddha Purnima.

On Buddha Purnima, Buddhists and followers of Buddhism across the world devote themselves to praying, fasting, meditating, and recalling the teachings of Lord Buddha. In the wake of Buddha Purnima, the Buddhist monasteries, houses, and temples are all flamboyantly decorated with garlands and colourful flags.

The popular ceremony includes worshipping the statue of Baby Buddha as it marks a new beginning. In India, people traditionally take dips in the holy river Ganga to wash away their sins. They also visit the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya to pray.

In China, people observe the festival by visiting pagodas and lighting incense, candles, and lanterns, while the Japanese celebrate the day with flowers and organise ‘Hanamatsuri’ (Flower Festival) where Buddha statues are decorated with flowers and bathed with a special flower juice. Buddhists in South Korea give out free food and light up lotus lanterns to mark the auspicious day.

Here are Some Important ‘Buddha Purnima Quotes’

Buddha's quotes offer profound wisdom for a mindful and fulfilling life. They stress the power of the mind, the value of compassion and love, and the inevitability of suffering. Famous quotes include "The mind is everything" and "In the end, only three things matter." These quotes remain influential today, inspiring people around the world and often celebrated during Buddha Purnima.

“The mind is everything. What you think you become.”

“The way is not in the sky. The way is in the heart.”

“To understand everything is to forgive everything”

“To conquer oneself is a greater task than conquering others”

“Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon, and the truth.”

Buddha Purnima Wishes

Here are a few wishes you can send to your loved ones on Buddha Purnima:

1. May the teachings of Lord Buddha guide you towards a path of righteousness, happiness, and peace. Happy Buddha Purnima!

2. On this auspicious day, let's take a moment to reflect on Buddha's teachings and strive to follow them in our daily lives. Wishing you a joyous Buddha Purnima!

3. May the divine blessings of Buddha bring you hope, courage, and inner peace. Have a blessed Buddha Purnima!

4. Let us celebrate the birth of Lord Buddha and the enlightenment he brought to the world. Happy Buddha Purnima!

5. On this holy occasion, let's vow to spread love, kindness, and harmony in the world. Wishing you a happy and peaceful Buddha Purnima!