BUDDHA PURNIMA

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Buddha Purnima is a Buddhist festival that celebrates the birth of Gautam Buddha. He was the founder of Buddhism. His real name was Prince  Siddhartha Gautam and he was born in Lumbini(Nepal) on the Purnima Tithi (full moon day) in 563 BC.  In Hinduism, Buddha is considered the ninth avatar of Lord Vishnu. Buddha Jayanti or Buddha Purnima is the celebration of the birth of Gautama Buddha, and last year it was being observed on May 26. His birth anniversary is also known as Buddha Purnima or Vaisakhi Buddha Purnima or Vesak. This day is commemorated by Buddhists and Hindus all over the world and is a major festival in countries like India, Nepal, Bhutan, Burma, Thailand, Tibet, China, Korea, Laos, Vietnam, Mongolia, Cambodia, Singapore, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka (where it is called Vesak), however, every country celebrates the festival differently.

Gautama Buddha preached Dharma (duty), nonviolence, harmony, and kindness. He left his worldly possessions and princedom at the age of 30 to lead a life searching for the truth, seeking penance in the hopes of liberating himself from suffering (duhkha). On this day, Buddhists and believers of Buddhism around the globe offer prayers, meditate, observe fasts, and discuss the teachings of the Buddha. There is also a tradition of taking dips in the holy river Ganga as it is believed this washes away sins. In India, Buddhist people go to a monastery, including prayer meets sermons, recitation of Buddhist scriptures, group meditation, etc. They wear white clothes and eat sweet rice kheer.

Buddha Purnima is a festival that celebrates the teachings of Gautam Buddha. His birthday reminds us of his philosophy which was to live a pure and simple life. It reminds us of non-violence which influenced Gandhiji very much.  On the eve of the festival, devotees sprinkle scented water and milk on the Bodhi tree, the tree that he sat under to meditate.

Although there is no specific food that is prepared except kheer or milk porridge, however, only vegetarian food is savored on this auspicious day, also forbidding pungent spices like onions, garlic, chives, and scallions among others. The food may vary with the celebration of the festival in different regions by different sects.  In some countries, a ritualistic practice of releasing birds, insects, and animals as a 'symbolic act of liberation is also carried out on Buddha Purnima. Buddha Purnima commemorates the birth, death, and enlightenment of Lord Buddha on the same day. Budhha is the symbol of peace and non-violence. He was born in Lumbini in Nepal and died in Khushinagar, India known as Parinirvana. All and all it is an extremely uplifting festival to celebrate as it believes in peace and tranquility, much different from other festivals.


                                                                                                                          SREE V G 2113721018053

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