In this article one can find what is the origin of Buddha Purnima and what are the significances of Buddha Purnima or Buddha Jayanti. How Buddha purnima is celebrated in different countries and West Bengal.
Buddha Purnima or Buddha Jayanti is the most important day for Buddhists all over the world. This is the most important religious festival for Buddhists and they celebrate this holy day with great enthusiasm. Buddha Purnima is not a festival for Buddhists only. Bengali Hindus celebrate Buddha Purnima according to their own style and Pujas.
Origin and significance of Buddha Purnima
Lord Buddha was one of the greatest benefactors of Humanity. On this full moon day of Baisakh, Lord Buddha was born, attained enlightenment and Nirvana, the death of Lord Buddha. All the three major events of Lord Buddha were on this day which is really a strange coincidence. At the same time three main events of Buddhists happened in a single day. In 1950, World Fellowship of Buddhists decided to celebrate the full moon day of Baisakh as Buddha Purnima or Buddha Jayanti. Buddhism is spread in many countries in the world and naturally the celebration is also different from country to country.
Celebration of Buddha Purnima
Day long prayer, meditation, seminars on the life and teaching of Gautam Buddha, religious discussions, worship of the statue of Buddha etc are performed on this holy day. Many Buddhist Pilgrims from all over the world gathers at Bodh Gaya on this religious festival day of Buddhists. A special fair is arranged every year at Lumbini, the birth place of Lord Buddha. The Buddhists wear only white clothes on this holy day, Buddha Purnima. Lord Buddha ate kheer after he attained enlightenment. Kheer or rice pudding is a special dish where rice, milk and sugar are cooked together, On Buddha Purnima, Buddhists share kheer with all visitors including poor. Charity is the main lesson of Lord Buddha to his disciples. In this day, Buddhists distribute gifts in cash and kind to various charitable homes. Buddhists celebrate this day performing noble works and this was the lesson of Lord Buddha. Dhamma or teaching of Lord Buddha is to work for poor, to practice loving-kindness and to bring peace and harmony to humanity which is very much needed in present unrest world. Mere worship, offering flowers and candles is not the motto of Buddha Purnima.
In 2011, 17 May is the Buddha Purnima day.
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