Buddha Purnima or Buddha Jayanti, the birth anniversary of Lord Buddha is widely celebrated, on the full moon night the month of Vaisakh (April/May) in the Saka Calendar.
All the four important incidents in the life of Lord Buddha occurred on the full moon nights of Vaisakh. The Buddha was born on the Full Moon day in the month of Vaisakh in 563 BC, in Lumbini, near Kapila Vastu (presently in Nepal). On another full moon day in the same month, he abandoned his family and all earthly pleasures and went in search of the Supreme Truth. Also, Lord Buddha attained enlightenment on a full moon night in Vaisakh at Bodh gaya in Bihar. He achieved nirvana on full moon night in the same month.
It is also believed that Yashodara, Gautam's wife, his charioteer Channa and even his horse Kantaka were born on full moon days in the same month.
On this day, Buddhists offer prayers in their temples. Sarnath in Uttar Pradesh, where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon (known as Dharmachakra pravartana) and Bodh Gaya are the main centres of celebration.
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