Buddha Jayanti or Buddha Purnima is considered as the most sacred day for the Buddhism followers. All the followers of this religion celebrate this day with great enthusiasm and healthy respect towards their Lord Buddha. The Buddha Purnima is celebrated to mark the birthday of Lord Buddha. It is believed that he gained Nirvana and Parinirvanaon this day. These three facts are making this day auspicious to the followers in present times. As per the Buddhist legend, the day is the birthday of Budha’s wife Yashodhara, his disciple Ananda, the horse Kantaka and his charioteer Channa also. In the Pail language, Buddha Purnima is called as Vesak.
Buddhists devotees mark this day by prayer meets and sermons on the life of Buddha. Group meditation, processions, and worshipping are organized too. Several Buddhist pilgrims visit Bodh Gaya, where the Lord took birth. Devotees wear white clothes and decorate the temple with flowers and flags. Bodhi tree, under which Lord Buddha gained Nirvana is decorated with garlands and flags. Several Buddhists donate food, money to the poor surrounding the region. Kheer is made with rice, milk, sugar, and jaggery.
