Buddha Purnima, also known as Buddha Jayanti or Vesak, commemorates the birth of Prince Siddhartha Gautama, who later became Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. Celebrated on the full moon day (‘Purnima’ in Sanskrit) in the month of Vaisakha (April–May), this sacred festival holds immense spiritual significance for Buddhists across the globe.
Date and Holiday Details
- Date: Monday, 12 May 2025
- Occasion: Buddha Purnima
- Public Holiday in: Haryana, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Maharashtra, Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Historical and Cultural Significance
Buddha Purnima marks three pivotal events in the life of the Buddha—his birth, enlightenment, and mahaparinirvana (death)—all believed to have occurred on the full moon day. According to tradition and archaeological evidence, Gautama Buddha was born between 563–483 BCE in Lumbini, present-day Nepal. His mother, Queen Maya Devi, gave birth while traveling to her ancestral home. The sacred Mayadevi Temple, along with the Ashoka Pillar dating back to 249 BCE, stands at the revered site of his birth.
The date of Buddha Purnima varies each year based on Asian lunisolar calendars, usually falling in April or May, and occasionally in June during leap years. While the Sri Lankan Buddhist calendar often sets the year of celebration, regional observances may differ slightly across countries.
Global Observance and Regional Variations
Buddha Purnima is widely celebrated across South, Southeast, and East Asia, including countries like Sri Lanka, Nepal, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Indonesia, and Malaysia. The Tibetan Buddhist tradition observes the Buddha’s birth on the 7th day of the 4th lunar month, while Saga Dawa Duchen, held on the 15th day, commemorates his enlightenment and passing. In East Asia, particularly in Vietnam and the Philippines, separate festivals honor these three milestones.
Celebrations in India
In India, Buddha Purnima is celebrated with reverence and enthusiasm, especially in Buddhist-populated regions such as Sikkim, Ladakh, Arunachal Pradesh, Bodh Gaya, Lahaul and Spiti, Kinnaur, and parts of North Bengal like Kalimpong, Darjeeling, and Kurseong. Maharashtra, home to over 77% of India’s Buddhist population, also observes the festival with great devotion.
The public holiday for Buddha Purnima was institutionalized by Dr. B. R. Ambedkar during his tenure as India’s first Law and Justice Minister. On this day, devotees gather at Viharas (Buddhist monasteries) for sutra recitations, prayers, and spiritual discourses. Rituals often include offerings of flowers, candles, and incense, symbolizing the impermanence of life and the path to enlightenment.