Buddha Purnima — also called Buddha Jayanti or Vesak — is the most sacred day in the Buddhist calendar. It falls on the full moon of Vaishakha, usually in April or May, and remembers three events in the life of Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha, all believed to have happened on the same full moon: his birth at Lumbini, his enlightenment under the Bodhi tree at Bodh Gaya, and his passing into mahaparinirvana at Kushinagar.
The teaching
Born a prince, Siddhartha left his palace after seeing old age, sickness and death, searching for a way beyond suffering. After years of meditation, he found it: the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, a middle way between indulgence and extreme austerity, built on wisdom, ethical living and a calm, attentive mind.
Where it is celebrated in India
- Bodh Gaya, Bihar: pilgrims from across the world gather at the Mahabodhi Temple and the Bodhi tree for prayer and meditation.
- Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh: where the Buddha gave his first sermon; relics are displayed for the day.
- Kushinagar: where he passed away — prayers at the Mahaparinirvana Temple.
- Sikkim, Ladakh, Arunachal Pradesh and Himachal: monasteries hold prayers, processions and butter-lamp offerings; in Sikkim it is celebrated as Saga Dawa.
- Maharashtra: large gatherings of Navayana Buddhists, following Dr B.R. Ambedkar.
How people observe the day
- Visiting monasteries and temples, offering flowers, candles and incense.
- Bathing the image of the infant Buddha with water.
- Kindness to all beings: many eat vegetarian food, release caged birds and give to those in need.
- Kheer is shared, remembering Sujata, who offered the Buddha a bowl of milk rice before his enlightenment.
What to wear
White is traditional and widely worn — simple, clean and calm. Soft, natural cottons in white or pale colours suit both the meaning of the day and the May heat.
Find soft whites in our collections.
Happy Buddha Purnima — may all beings be at peace.
