Buddha Purnima celebrated on 26th May 2021
- Buddha Purnima was celebrated all over the world on 26th May 2021. On this occasion, the President and Prime Minister of India greeted all the countrymen.
- On this auspicious occasion, the President of India said, “We have an unprecedented crisis in the form of COVID-19 pandemic. On the auspicious occasion of Buddha Purnima, I pray that through our solidarity and collective efforts we can successfully get out of this pandemic and continue on the path of welfare of the people. “
Buddha Purnima
- Buddha Purnima is celebrated as a festival as the birth anniversary of Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism.
- On the Full Moon day (Purnima), we see the full moon and it is a night of full light, while on New Moon (Amavasya) is dark.
- Gautama Buddha was born on 563 BC in Lumbini, present-day Nepal. The exact date of Buddha’s birthday is based on the Asian Lunisolar calendar.
- The date of the Buddha’s birthday celebration varies each year in the Western Gregorian calendar, but usually falls in April or May.
- The birth of Buddha is celebrated as a part of ‘Vesak’ (festival) in South and South East Asia. The festival is also celebrated as a commemoration of Buddha’s enlightenment and death mourning, while Buddha’s awakening and death are celebrated separately in East Asia.
Founder of Buddhism
- Siddhartha Gautama was the founder of Buddhism, later known as “Buddha”.
- Gautama was born as a prince in a Shakya Royal family (present-day Nepal). Although he had the option of an easy life, the sufferings of the world moved him to change the path.
- He decided to abandon his lavish lifestyle and endure poverty.
- He promoted the idea of ”Madhya Marg”, which means existing between two extremes. Thus, he chose the path between social enjoyment and deprived life.
- Buddhists believe that after six years of penance, Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment by meditating under the Bodhi tree. He spent the rest of his life in teaching others about attaining this spiritual state.
Source – PIB
