Buddha's Birthday is known as Buddha Purnima or Buddha Jayanti. It is also known as the Day of Buddha's Enlightenment – Buddha Purnima or Buddha Pournami. It is a Buddhist festival celebrated in most of East and South Asia to commemorate the birth of Prince Siddhartha Gautama, later Gautama Buddha and he is the founder of Buddhism. On this day, Hindus and Buddhists around the world offer prayers to Gautam Buddha by paying a visit to his holy shrines.
Buddha Purnima 2024
Buddha Purnima Date is based on the lunisolar calendar of Asia and generally falls on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Vaisakha. That's why it is also called Vaisakhi Buddha Purnima or Vesak. This Year, Buddha Purnima will be celebrated on Thursday, May 23, 2024.
History of Buddha Purnima
Gautam Buddha's birthday, the founder of Buddhism, is known worldwide as Buddha Purnima. He was born as Prince Siddhartha Gautama on Purnima Tithi (full moon day) in 563 BC in Lumbini (modern Nepal). In Hinduism, Buddha is known as the ninth avatar of Lord Vishnu, and therefore, this day is celebrated by Buddhists and Hindus all over the world.
However, Buddha’s disciples never celebrated his birthday officially. Buddha Purnima celebrations were not formalized until recent times. In May 1950, the first conference of the Buddhist World Fellowship in Colombo, Sri Lanka, officiated Buddha Purnima on Vesak. It was decided that the full moon in May would be auspicious because it was the day of the full moon when the Buddha attained nirvana.
Buddha Purnima meaning
The word ‘Purnima’ in Sanskrit means ‘full moon’, which explains why a full moon day is celebrated, while ‘Jayanti’ means ‘birthday’. The word Buddha is given to those who have attained ‘bodhi’ or enlightenment, hence the title applied to Siddartha once he became enlightened. It is celebrated in the month of ‘Vaisakhi’ in the Hindu/Buddhist lunar calendar.
When was Buddha Born and Died
Buddhist tradition says that Gautama Buddha was born c. 563–483 BC in Lumbini (Nepal). Durham University archaeologists working in Nepal have uncovered a structure at the Buddha’s birthplace dating back to the sixth century BC. They proved this using a combination of radiocarbon and optically enabled luminescence techniques. According to Buddhist tradition, Buddha died in c. 483 BCE or 400 BCE (aged 80) in Kushinagar, Malla Republic.
Is Buddha Purnima a National Holiday
Buddha Purnima is a public holiday in many South Asian and East Asian countries including India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Myanmar, Philippines, Vietnam, and Thailand. Post offices, government offices, schools, colleges, and most businesses are closed. Educational institutions banks and Buddhist-owned shops may remain closed on the festival day.
Buddha Purnima Celebrations, Tradition
Buddha devotees visit temples, pray and offer sweets as well as fruits in front of the statue of Lord Buddha, and light candles and incense sticks on this day. There are sermons on the life and teachings of the Buddha and are attended by disciples everywhere. People wear white clothes, do not eat non-vegetarian food, and distribute kheer, as per Buddhist lore, on this day a woman named Sujata served Buddha a bowl of porridge milk.
Many disciples also rescue caged birds on this day to be sympathetic and compassionate towards all living beings, which is one of the most important teachings of Lord Buddha. One of India’s largest fairs is held in Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh, a major Buddhist pilgrimage site where the Buddha is said to have delivered his first sermon after enlightenment.
How to celebrate Buddha Purnima
There are plenty of ways to celebrate the birthday of Gautam Buddha. Below we added 3 best ways to celebrate Buddha Jayanti:
1. LISTEN TO BUDDHA'S TEACHINGS
Originally, Buddhist teachings were transmitted by word of mouth or lies carved into stone. Listen to sermons or any podcast about Buddhism or read a book.
2. LEARN HOW TO MEDITATE
It is a great way to unwind and relax amidst the stress of everyday life. Mediation is fast becoming a practice in different cultures. Take a class, or try your meditation routine.
3. PROVIDE A DONATION
Since the Buddha’s teachings are primarily about caring for and respecting living beings, this is a great opportunity to find a cause you feel passionately about and invest in it.
Buddha Purnima facts
Here are 5 amazing facts that Buddhists observe on Buddha's birthday:
1. Avoid meats
In India, pilgrimages are made to major sites during Buddha’s life and Buddhists avoid eating meat.
2. China shines
The Chinese celebrate the day by visiting pagodas and lighting candles, incense, and lanterns.
3. Free food in South Korea
South Koreans serve free food and light lotus lanterns.
4. Japanese welcome the day with flowers
During the ‘Hanamatsuri’ and decorate Buddha statues with flowers and showered in a special flower juice.
5. Thai devotees chant
Thailand Buddhists unite in temples and chant prayers.
Happy Buddha Purnima 2024 Wishes, Messages, and Greetings
Buddha Jayanti is one of the major Buddhist festivals celebrated in honor of Gautama Buddha, who survived the cycle of birth and rebirth. Here are the best Buddha Pournima wishes and messages for you to share:
- I wish you peace and tranquillity on this beautiful day of Buddhism. Happy Buddha Jayanti!
- May your spirit be filled with nonviolence and truth just as Gautam Buddha. Happy Buddha Purnima!
- We must be born again every morning because that is what matters we do with each new day. Happy Gautam Buddha Day!
- Shine a lamp for someone and it will light your path as well. Happy Buddha Purnima!
Happy Buddha Purnima 2024 Status, Captions
Below is a collection of Buddha Jayanti WhatsApp statuses and captions for Instagram:
- May you have a very Happy Buddha Jayanti this year. May Buddha's teachings illuminate the path of peace!
- Three things can’t be hidden for long that Buddha had told – sun, moon, and truth. Happy Buddha Purnima!
- Opinions of your mind are everything. Whatever you think, think of peace and happiness. A very happy Buddha Jayanti to all!
- May Gautama Buddha's teachings guide me to the path of love, peace, nonviolence, and truth. Happy Buddha Jayanti!
Buddha Purnima Quotes
On this spiritual day, learn about 8 motivations Buddha Quotes that might change your life:
"If you find no one to support you on the spiritual path, walk alone." — Gautam Buddha
"Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon, and the truth." — Gautam Buddha
"People with opinions just go around bothering each other." — Gautam Buddha
"Nothing can harm you as much as your own thoughts unguarded." — Gautam Buddha
"Wear your ego like a loose fitting garment." — Gautam Buddha
"To live a pure unselfish life, one must count nothing as one’s own in the midst of abundance." — Gautam Buddha
"You, yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection." — Gautam Buddha
"If you knew what I know about the power of giving, you would not let a single meal pass without sharing it in some way." — Gautam Buddha
Buddha Jayanti/Purnima celebrates the life of a historical figure whose teachings changed the lives of millions. Whether Gautama Buddha is viewed spiritually or philosophically, there is no doubt about the impact his words have had over the centuries and continue to do so.