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The Buddha Jayanti and Its Celebrations
Buddha Jayanti is dedicated to Gautam Buddha and is celebrated in Nepal and all over the world by Buddhist followers. Buddha Purnima considers the three important stages of Lord Buddha’s life- birthday, enlightenment, and death. He was born in 623 BC as a prince of the Shakya dynasty, now located in the Kapilvastu district of Nepal. It is celebrated as one of the major festivals by Buddhist followers and as a national event all over Nepal. Buddha Jayanti is also known as Budhha Purnima and it falls on the full moon of April or May.
Lumbini, the birthplace of Budhha gets bustling with Buddhist devotees. On this auspicious day all the monasteries, chaityas, and gumbas are decorated and crowded with visitors from all over the world. This day is commemorated not only in Nepal but also among those countries that follow Buddhism. Asian countries such as Bhutan, Burma, Thailand, Tibet, China, Korea, Laos Vietnam, Mongolia, Cambodia, Singapore, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka celebrate this event full of joy and happiness. Thus every country celebrates this day in different ways. During these festivals, the government declares the national holiday.
Importance of the Buddhism
The British Library blog believes that each full moon is auspicious for Buddhists, but the most significant day is the full moon of April or May because of Lord Buddha's three major life stages.
On the same day, he became Gautam Buddha at Bodh Gaya after achieving enlightenment under the shade of the Bodhi tree after six years of hardship. He spread his novel truth for 45 years he passed away and got nirvana on the same day. All the major three days symbolize peace, prosperity, and harmony. Buddha left his worldly possessions and princely position at 30 and spent the rest of his life seeking four truths, seeking penance in the mountains, and hoping to be freed of suffering (dukkha).
Buddha Jayanti Celebration
In Nepal, Buddha Jayanti celebrates the full moon day in the month of Baisakh. On this special day, Buddhists around the globe offer prayers, meditate and observe fast. In Hinduism, Lord Buddha is considered the 9th reincarceration of Lord Vishnu. Especially in Nepal, devotees offer 108 butter lamps at the monastery or their nearest temple. The followers celebrate Buddha Jayanti by visiting his shrines and making prayers.
However, this event is celebrated throughout Nepal, especially in Lumbini, Bouddhanath, and Swayambhunath. So, Buddha Jayanti is the best time to visit if you're interested in learning about Buddhism.
