Buddha Purnima, also known as Buddha Jayanti or Vesak, is one of the most sacred festivals in Buddhism. It marks three pivotal events in the life of Siddhartha Gautama—his birth, enlightenment, and death. In 2025, the festival falls on May 12, a date when many banks and financial institutions may remain closed as it’s a public holiday.
The term ‘Purnima’ means full moon in Sanskrit, and the festival is celebrated on the full moon day of Vaisakha (April-May) according to the Hindu and Buddhist lunisolar calendars. Occasionally, due to leap years or calendar variations, the date may shift into June.
Why Is Buddha Purnima Celebrated?
The day commemorates the life and teachings of Gautama Buddha, who was born as Prince Siddhartha to King Suddhodana. Raised in luxury and shielded from worldly suffering, Siddhartha left his palace at the age of 29. Encountering old age, illness, and death for the first time, he was deeply moved and set out in search of deeper meaning and truth.
His journey eventually led him to attain nirvana, or enlightenment, under the Bodhi tree. With this awakening, he became The Buddha and went on to preach the path of mindfulness, compassion, and liberation from suffering—founding what we now know as Buddhism.
Global Observance
Buddha Purnima is celebrated with great reverence not only across India, but also in countries like Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Malaysia, and others. The day is observed with prayer, meditation, visits to monasteries, and acts of kindness, reflecting Buddha’s core teachings on wisdom, self-discipline, and peace.
