Buddha Purnima 2023: Is it a National Holiday on May 5? Buddha Jayanti History, Significance and Celebrations

Buddha Purnima commemorates the birth of Buddha, which is an essential part of the Vesak festival.  (Image: shutterstock)

Buddha Purnima commemorates the birth of Buddha, which is an essential part of the Vesak festival. (Image: shutterstock)

Buddha Purnima 2023: It is considered a gazetted holiday in India. As a result, government offices, post offices and banks will remain closed on this day.

BUDDHA PURNIMA 2023: Buddha Purnima, also known as Buddha Purnima Buddha Jayanti, is an annual festival that honors the birth anniversary of Siddhartha Gautama, who is known as the founder of Buddhism. It is an important festival for Buddhists around the world, and is marked with great pomp and gaiety.

Read also: Happy Buddha Purnima 2023: Wishes, Images, Messages and Wishes to Share on Vesak

From the festival’s origins 2,500 years ago to modern celebrations in different parts of the world, let’s take a look at what makes Buddha Purnima such an important occasion for Buddhists.

Is Buddha Purnima a national holiday?

Buddha Purnima is not a national holiday in all countries. It is considered a gazetted holiday in India. As a result, government offices, post offices, and banks Will be closed on this day. Stores and businesses that practice Buddhism may also be closed or have limited hours.

Buddha Purnima 2023: Date and Time

This year in 2023, Buddha Jayanti will be celebrated on 5th May in India and Nepal. The day commemorates the birth of the Buddha, an essential part of the Vesak festival that honors three important events in his life – his enlightenment, birth and death.

The timings of Buddha Purnima date in 2023 are as follows:

  1. Buddha Purnima Tithi is starting from 11.44 pm on 4th May.
  2. Buddha Purnima Tithi will end on May 5 at 11:03 pm.

Buddha Purnima 2023: History

Buddha Purnima has a rich history dating back 2,500 years. Lord Buddha is believed to have been born in Lumbini, present-day Nepal, around 563 BCE. He was born in a royal family and was named Siddhartha Gautama. At the age of 29, he gave up his luxurious life and set out on a spiritual quest to find the truth about life and suffering. After six years of intense meditation and spiritual practice, he attained enlightenment under a Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, India. He spent the rest of his life teaching the way of knowledge.

Buddha Purnima 2023: Celebrations

  1. The celebration of Buddha Jayanti varies from region to region, but usually involves visiting temples, praying and lighting candles and incense sticks.
  2. Many Buddhists also participate in community service, such as feeding the hungry or giving to charity.
  3. In some countries, such as Sri Lanka and Thailand, elaborate processions are held where idols of Lord Buddha are carried by people dressed in traditional clothes.

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