Buddha Purnima or Buddha Jayanti is an important Buddhist and Hindu festival that marks the birth anniversary of Gautam Buddha. This year, Buddha Purnima or Buddha Jayanti falls on May 16, which is the 2584th birth anniversary of Gautam Buddha.
Gautam Buddha was a philosopher, spiritual guide, religious leader, and meditator. It has been believed that he meditated under the Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya in Bihar for 49 continuous days following which he attained enlightenment.
He tried to find a secret to end the ‘suffering’ through his long meditation. Later, he explained that the road to end suffering and sins lies in ‘The Four Noble Truths’.
He is the founder of the Buddhism religion and preached the lessons of dharma, non-violence, harmony, kindness, path to nirvana (the extinction of desire, hatred, and ignorance and, ultimately, of suffering and rebirth) to the world.
Not just in India, the day is celebrated in many parts of the world including Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Cambodia, Tibet, Nepal, and Mongolia. People around the world celebrate the day by visiting monasteries. They offer prayers to the Lord, chant the verse, meditate, observe fast, and recall the teachings of Lord Buddha.
Notably, banks and government offices will remain closed in various regions of the country today on account of Buddha Purnima.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Ram Nath Kovind and Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu on Monday greeted the nation on the occasion of Buddha Purnima which commemorates the birth of Gautam Buddha.
On the occasion, the Prime Minister recalled the principles of Lord Buddha and reiterated his commitment to fulfil them.
“On Buddha Purnima we recall the principles of Lord Buddha and reiterate our commitment to fulfil them. The thoughts of Lord Buddha can make our planet more peaceful, harmonious and sustainable,” he tweeted.
In his message, President Kovind said: “Lord Buddha showed humanity the path of non-violence, compassion and tolerance. His teachings are more relevant today. Let us all resolve to follow the path shown by Lord Buddha.”
(With inputs from IANS)
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