Buddha Purnima in India 2024

Buddha Purnima, also known as Buddha Jayanti, is a serene and spiritual celebration honouring the birth, enlightenment, and passing of Lord Gautam Buddha. It is a day illuminated by the soft glow of the full moon, casting a peaceful light on beautifully decorated temples and quiet, meditative gatherings. People come together to offer flowers, light incense, and chant sacred prayers, creating an atmosphere of calm and reflection.

This day is not just about festivities; it's a moment to embrace and practise Buddha's teachings of compassion, wisdom, and inner peace. Buddha Purnima reminds us to seek tranquillity and kindness in our daily lives, inspiring us to live more harmoniously with ourselves and others. Read this blog to learn more about the Buddha Purnima holiday in India.

What is Buddha Purnima?

Gautam Buddha Purnima marks the birth of Prince Siddharta Gautama, who founded Buddhism. According to tradition and archaeological findings, Gautama Buddha was born in Lumbini, Nepal, between 563 and 483 BCE. His mother, Queen Maya Devi, gave birth to him while travelling to her ancestral home, and his father was King Śuddhodana.

This day is celebrated with joy and happiness across many Southeast Asian countries, including Thailand, China, Korea, Laos, Vietnam, Mongolia, Cambodia, Indonesia, India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet.

About Buddha Purnima- Significance, Importance and History

The Buddha Purnima celebration honours Buddha's life and teachings, highlighting principles of compassion, non-violence, and mindfulness. Followers participate in rituals like visiting temples, offering prayers, and practising generosity. Buddha Jayanti serves as a reminder of Buddha's timeless wisdom and enlightenment, inspiring devotees to seek inner peace and spiritual awakening.

This day holds deep significance for Buddhists globally as a time for reflection, meditation, and acts of kindness. The story of Buddha begins in Lumbini, Nepal, about 2500 years ago. It is said that when Siddhartha, later known as Buddha, was born, he took seven steps, and a lotus flower bloomed with each step. Buddha Purnima celebrates his birth anniversary.

Gautama Buddha gave his first sermon in Sarnath and is also known as Shakyamuni (Sage of the Shakyas) and Tathagata (the Fully Awakened One). Throughout his life, Buddha taught Dharma, non-violence, harmony, kindness, and the path to 'nirvana' for 45 years. Buddhism is based on his teachings, compiled in texts called 'suttas.'

Buddha attained enlightenment after meditating for 49 days under the Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, discovering the way to end suffering. Despite being born into a royal family, he gave up his luxurious life and left home at 30 to find the truth that frees one from suffering (dukkha).

How is the Buddha Purnima Holiday Celebrated in India?

Certain rituals are followed on the day of the pious celebration. The usual rituals entail as following-

1. Ceremonies Before the Sunrise:
   

   1. Before sunrise, Buddhists gather at places of worship to celebrate Gautam Buddha Purnima. The festival begins with prayers and dances dedicated to Lord Gautam.

   2. In some regions, devotees engage in physical exercises and even martial arts to honour the day. Devotees hold Marches to show gratitude for life and health. Hymns praising the Lord are sung, creating an atmosphere of reverence and joy.

2. Hoisting the Buddhist Flag:
   

   1. As the sun rises on Gautam Buddha Jayanti, temples and other religious sites hoist the Buddhist flag. The modern flag, which originated in Sri Lanka, features five colours: blue, red, orange, white, and yellow.

   2. Each colour carries a specific meaning: blue represents compassion, red symbolises blessings, orange signifies wisdom, white denotes the purity of Dharma, and yellow stands for the Middle Path, avoiding extremes.

3. Donations:
   Buddhism teaches humanity, compassion, humility, and respect for all living beings. On Gautam Buddha Jayanti, donations are a significant part of the celebrations.
   Temples often host donation drives where participants can donate money or food to monks.

4. Releasing Caged Birds:
   Many people release caged birds and animals on Gautam Buddha Purnima as a gesture of compassion.
   Granting freedom to these creatures symbolises the value of liberation and kindness. This act reflects the core Buddhist principles of nonviolence and respect for all living beings.

When is Buddha Purnima 2024?

The date is determined using lunisolar calendars common in Asia. While the Western Gregorian calendar shows varying dates for Buddha's birthday, it typically falls in April or May. In 2024, the auspicious occasion of Buddha Purnima falls on May 23.

Buddha Jayanti is a gazetted holiday in India. This means that banks will only be closed in certain cities of India. Government institutions and schools too will be closed in several cities.

Occasion	Date and Day	States
Buddha Purnima	23rd May, Thursday	Sikkim, Ladakh, Arunachal Pradesh, Bodhgaya, Spiti district, Kinnaur, Kalimpong, Darjeeling, and Kurseong

Occasion	Date and Day	States
Buddha Purnima	23rd May, Thursday	Sikkim, Ladakh, Arunachal Pradesh, Bodhgaya, Spiti district, Kinnaur, Kalimpong, Darjeeling, and Kurseong

The cities where banks will be closed are - Agartala, Aizawl, Belapur, Bhopal, Chandigarh, Dehradun, Itanagar, Jammu, Kanpur, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai, Nagpur, New Delhi, Raipur, Ranchi, Shimla and Srinagar.

Imbibing the Teachings of Lord Buddha

Reflecting on Buddha Purnima 2024 reminds us of Gautama Buddha's profound teachings of compassion, wisdom, and peace. As we celebrate his enlightenment and birth, we are encouraged to embody these values in our lives. May this occasion inspire us to cultivate kindness, seek understanding, and tread the path towards inner harmony and enlightenment, just as Buddha exemplified through his life and teachings.

Frequently Asked Questions