Buddha Purnima 2027 Date – 20 May

A thrice-blessed full moon

In the Theravada tradition, the full moon of Vaishakha is linked to three events in the life of Siddhartha Gautama: his birth in Lumbini, in present-day Nepal; his enlightenment under the Bodhi tree at Bodh Gaya, after which he was called the Buddha; and his passing into mahaparinirvana at Kushinagar at the age of eighty. That is why the day is also called Buddha Jayanti and, internationally, Vesak.

How the day is observed

• Visiting viharas and stupas, offering flowers, candles and incense, and listening to the Dhamma.
• Taking the five precepts – or eight, for those observing a full-day retreat (uposatha) – and meditating.
• Pouring water or milk at the roots of Bodhi trees and decorating them with prayer flags and lamps.
• Dana (giving): food to monks, community meals, and help to those in need.
• Kheer is cooked in many homes, remembering Sujata, who offered milk-rice to the Buddha before his enlightenment.
• Many people eat vegetarian food and avoid harming any living being on the day.

Where it is celebrated

• Bodh Gaya, Bihar – the Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, hosts prayers by monks from across Asia.
• Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh – where the Buddha gave his first sermon; relics are displayed and processions held.
• Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh – the site of the mahaparinirvana.
• Sikkim, Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh – Saga Dawa, a month of merit-making in the Tibetan calendar; its date can differ from Buddha Purnima.
• Maharashtra – Ambedkarite Buddhist communities hold processions and gatherings.

The Buddha in Hindu tradition

Many Hindu texts and traditions count the Buddha among the avatars of Vishnu, and the day is also observed as a Vaishakha Purnima of holy dips and charity. Buddhists themselves regard the Buddha as an enlightened teacher rather than an incarnation of a god.

How to do Buddha Purnima puja, step by step

1. Begin the day with a bath and, if you can, a visit to a vihara or stupa.
2. Offer flowers, a lamp and incense before an image of the Buddha.
3. Take the five precepts: to refrain from harming living beings, taking what is not given, sexual misconduct, false speech and intoxicants.
4. Spend time in meditation or listen to a Dhamma talk.
5. Water a Bodhi tree or any tree, and give food or help to someone in need.
6. Eat vegetarian food and share kheer with family and neighbours.