Buddha Jayanti also known as Buddha Purnima is the biggest festivals celebrated by the Buddhist all around the globe which is celebrated in the remembrance of Lord Buddha. Lord Buddha is considered as the nineth avatar of Lord Vishnu.
It is the birth anniversary of Lord Budhha which falls in the full moon of the fourth Lunar month. Lord Buddha was born as Prince Siddartha Gautam in 543BCin the southern terai belt of Nepal. Until the age of 29 he was unaware about the hardships of life as he had lived a very protected life inside the palace.
One day he convinced his charioteer to take him out of the palace and was shattered after he saw the view of old crippled man. After that he realized that there is more outside world than a lavish and luxurious life he was living which made him to discard the worldly pleasure and started searching enlightenment and the true meaning of life.
After much of a meditation Gautam Buddha finally achieved enlightenment in 588 BC and was finally known as Buddha which literally means the enlightened one. After attaining enlightenment he purposed the four noble truths which say that people suffer because of their desire and desire is the root cause of all the misery.
This misery, desire along with other problems can be eliminated by following the eight fold path- right conduct, right motive, right speech, right effort, right resolve, right livelihood, right attention and right meditation to gain mastery over suffering.
Buddha travelled from place to place teaching hundreds of disciples; because of this only his disciples continued his teaching even after his death. Lord Buddha died at the age of eighty in Bodhgaya India. Because of his teaching full of wisdom Nepalese both Hindu and Buddhist celebrate this festival with equal enthusiasm.
This day is honored on three important event of Buddha’s life i.e. Birth, attaining of enlightenment and attainment of Nirvana i.e. death that is why it is also known as thrice blessed day.
Buddha Jayanti, also known as Buddha Purnima, is a festival that celebrates the birth, enlightenment, and passing of Lord Buddha.
Buddha Jayanti is celebrated on the full moon day of the month of Baisakh (April-May) in the Nepali calendar, which usually falls in April.
In Nepal, Buddha Jayanti is celebrated with various rituals, including processions, chanting, offerings at Buddhist shrines, and lighting butter lamps. Major celebrations take place in Lumbini, Buddha's birthplace, and other significant monasteries and shrines.
Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, becomes a focal point of celebrations during Buddha Jayanti. Devotees from around the world visit Lumbini to pay their respects, participate in religious activities, and celebrate this auspicious day.
While there are no specific foods tied to Buddha Jayanti, many devotees follow a vegetarian diet and prepare simple, wholesome meals in keeping with the spirit of the festival.
Yes, Buddha Jayanti is a public holiday in Nepal. Schools, offices, and businesses are closed to allow people to participate in the celebrations.
Yes, special prayers, chanting of Buddhist scriptures, and meditation sessions are held in monasteries and shrines. Devotees also offer flowers, incense, and food to Buddha statues
Absolutely! Tourists are welcome to join the celebrations, visit monasteries, and participate in the rituals. It's a great opportunity to experience Nepal's rich cultural and religious heritage.
You can learn more by visiting local monasteries, engaging with Buddhist monks, and participating in the various events held during the festival. Tourist information centers and local guides can also provide valuable insights.
It is respectful to wear modest and conservative clothing when attending religious ceremonies and visiting monasteries during Buddha Jayanti. Light, comfortable clothing is advisable due to the warm weather in April.
.jpg)
