Buddha Purnima 2023: A festival of compassion

Be mindful of the surrounding. Source: Sabine Schulte/Unsplash

Buddha Purnima is a holiday about honoring life, letting go of worldly attachments, and practicing compassion. Traditionally celebrated on the first full moon in the month of May, Buddha Purnima is also called Buddha Jayanti (birthday), Vesak (full moon day of May), and Vaishak Purnima, among others. As the practice of Buddhism takes different forms, it is good to remember that several regions observe this holiday on different days in line with local customs.

Brief Introduction about Buddha Purnima

Prince Siddhartha Gautama was described in sacred texts as emerging fully formed from his mother's right side. A prophecy said that he would become a great ruler or preacher. His father then sought to shelter him from spiritual life and focused on his privileged upbringing. At the age of 29, he decided to leave his royal life after witnessing the so-called four signs: old age, illness, death, and asceticism. These events led to his pursuit of enlightenment and eventually to spreading his newfound knowledge and teachings as Lord Buddha.

Buddha Purnima is a way of connecting the faithful to important phases of Lord Buddha's life, with the moon illuminating all of these events. The colorful atmosphere of Buddha Purnima is grounded in selfless and charitable acts that make it a moving and memorable celebration.

What is Buddha Purnima?

Buddha Purnima is a time of veneration and goodwill, in which millions of Buddhists celebrate and reflect on the life of Lord Buddha. Purnima is the Sanskrit term for "full moon," a constant presence in the Lord Buddha's blessed birth, enlightenment (Nirvana), and death (Parinirvana). On the day (or days) of Buddha Purnima, the faithful flock to temples at dawn.

They make offerings, sing, and participate in the raising of the Buddhist flag. Throughout this religious festival, believers do their best to spread kindness and not cause hurt to people or animals. This is also why slaughterhouses are closed during the Buddha Purnima celebration.

When is Buddha Purnima Celebrated?

Buddha Purnima 2023 takes place on May 5, 2023, in India and Nepal and on varying dates in May 2023 in Southeast Asian countries. Over the next two years, the festival will be commemorated on May 23, 2024, and May 12, 2025, in India and Nepal. Buddha Purnima was previously held in India and Nepal on May 16, 2022, and May 26, 2021. Being centered on the Lord Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and death, Buddha Purnima is of special significance to Buddhists as they contemplate and make progress on their own spiritual journey.

People light candles at Stupa Bodhnath, Kathmandu, Nepal. Source: Raimond Klavins/Unsplash

Where does Buddha Purnima usually happen?

Buddha Purnima is a national holiday in countries such as India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, and Singapore. With a lot of activities during the national holiday, it's best to plan your travel in advance and take advantage of deals during your stay.

Nepal

In Nepal, Vesak or Buddha Purnima is a special day that warrants the opening of the holy temple of Swayambhu, or "self-existent one," located northwest of Kathmandu Valley. Popularly known as "Monkey Temple," this temple has been described in legends as having emerged when the valley was formed out of a lake over 2,000 years ago. This area is especially crowded during Buddha Purnima, which will be celebrated in Nepal on May, 2023.

If you would like to explore the Swayambhunath, you can stay at Hyatt Place Kathmandu. This Art Deco-inspired hotel is only 15 minutes away from Swayambhunath and offers an outdoor pool and 24-hour room service.

Lumbini in Nepal is an equally important location for Buddhists because it is considered to be Lord Buddha's birthplace (563 B.C.). Pilgrims visiting Lumbini go on a morning procession to mark Buddha Purnima. They offer prayers and incense in monasteries and take part in a series of cultural activities throughout the day. At night, visitors light lanterns at the Maya Devi Temple, the site where Lord Buddha was born. A nativity sculpture of Lord Buddha shows Maya Devi holding onto a branch as she gives birth while a marker has been placed on the spot believed to be where the child was born. The temple complex itself is surrounded by remnants of monasteries and stupas built between the 2nd century B.C. and the 9th century A.D. The temple grounds also have a commemorative pillar from Emperor Ashoka of the Mauryan dynasty of India dating back to the 3rd century B.C.

Owing to its archeological and cultural significance, UNESCO has named Lumbini a World Heritage Site. It is envisioned to serve as a Buddhist pilgrimage center for years to come. Want to explore more of Nepal during Buddha Purnima? Go on a Glimpse of Nepal Tour for 8 Days and gain new perspectives from centuries of wisdom.

The tour takes you to destinations in Nepal, including Kathmandu, the city of Pokhara, Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha, and Chitwan National Park.

India

In India, devotees don white clothes as a sign of reverence as they head to the temples and hear sermons during Buddha Purnima 2023 on May 5, 2023. Sarnath in Uttar Pradesh is where Lord Buddha first shared his teachings. Dharamsala, on the other hand, follows the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, reflecting differences in how Buddhists in India express their faith.

Saranath in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India. Source: Trip.com

Sri Lanka

Buddha Purnima 2023, in Sri Lanka, will be held on May 5, 2023. People take the time to adorn homes and streets with colorful lanterns called Vesak Kudu. Large, brightly lit decorative structures called pandol—which depict the life events of Lord Buddha—are also prominently displayed in a central area or public space. As compassion is central to the observance of Buddha Purnima, people also establish a dansala or place where people can freely share their services or resources. A dansala is a single stall usually set up by people and establishments to donate or distribute food and drink to everyone, especially those in need. This is not limited to Buddha Purnima celebrations, as dansala is an expression of caring for others in any season.

Buddhist monks in prayer at a temple in Sri Lanka. Source: Heehan Merawanthri/Unsplash

Planning a tour in Sri Lanka for Buddha Purnima? Book the Buddhist Art and Temple Experience and learn more about Buddhism through Sri Lanka's ancient temple art.

Bangladesh

Buddha Purnima 2023 will be held in Bangladesh on May 4, 2023. The festival usually begins with the lighting of lamps, followed by the raising of national and religious flags. Monks and priests then recite sacred verses from the Tripitaka or Buddhist scriptures. They also adorn the temples with decorations and candles to celebrate this sacred day.

A group of monks chants in front of an image of Buddha. Source: TONG KBP /Unsplash

Mongolia

Known in Mongolia as Ikh Duichen, the celebration of Buddha Purnima is based on the Mongolian lunar calendar. On this day, believers flock to the Gandantegchinlen Monastery, which is decorated with flags made especially for the festival. As part of the celebration, monks recite verses from the sacred book and offer prayers for the people.

The region of Southeast Asia is also steeped in the Buddhist faith and has its own ways of marking Buddha Purnima.

Hong Kong

Buddha Purnima 2023 will be celebrated in Hong Kong on May 26, 2023. Known as the Birthday of Buddha, this is a special day shared with family and loved ones. Devotees bathe small statues of Lord Buddha as it is believed that his body was cleansed with water from nine dragons (or serpent-like figures). This practice was inspired by events after the Lord Buddha's birth when he was showered with sacred waters by the Devas (gods).

At the Po Lin Monastery in Lantau Island, visitors can marvel at the tallest bronze Buddha statue in the world—the Tian Tan Buddha. The mudra, or symbolic hand gesture, makes the towering statue a source of hope and strength. The mudra of the right hand represents compassion to all suffering, while that of the left hand placed on the lap symbolizes the wish to bring joy and blessings to everyone. Both the monastery and statue draw many tourists during Buddha Purnima and all year round, and people can pay their respects to the monks residing there.

Po Lin Monastery, "Buddha Country of the Southern Heaven," Hong Kong. Source: Trip.com

Singapore

In Singapore, Buddha Purnima is celebrated as Vesak Day, a joyful occasion that focuses on self-reflection and tranquility. The holiday is set on June 2, 2023, with devotees visiting the temple just before dawn as the monks recite the scriptures. They take part in singing about the life and teachings of Buddha and go out of their way to help others by donating blood or providing food and supplies to the less fortunate in their community.

Buddhist devotees pray at an altar in Singapore. Source: Lily Banse/Unsplash

Indonesia

Buddha Purnima 2023, in Indonesia, is called Waisak Day, which will be held on June 2, 2023. It's worth visiting the temple of Borobudur in Central Java, considered one of the most significant Buddhist monuments in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Pilgrims from Indonesia and different countries visit this historic site to pay their respects during the celebrations and to experience the breathtaking views of the complex.

If you're headed to Central Java, consider staying in Amanjiwo. It's a stunning temple-inspired getaway built with Borobudur in mind. You can have a peaceful time while touring the city, the scenic rural villages, or the expanse of the holy temple.

Shankara Borobudur in Magelang might also be of interest as it is only a 10-minute walk from the Borobudur temple. It offers a stunning outdoor pool where you can relax and enjoy some downtime. The hotel is located approximately 45 km away from Yogyakarta and 50 km away from the Adisucipto Airport.

Want to take in the grandeur of sunrise at the biggest Buddhist temple in the world? Then Try the Borobudur Sunrise and Village Trekking experience. You can immerse yourself in the beauty of the ancient temple, the lush fields, and the sounds of Javanese music.

Cambodia

Cambodia celebrates Buddha Purnima as Visak Bochea or Buddha's Birthday. Across the country, monks mark this day by offering candles, incense, and lotus flowers. The lotus flower has a special meaning for Buddhists. As it blooms in murky water, the lotus symbolizes the ability to rise above life's darkness and struggles to attain an enlightened state.

Myanmar

Buddha Purnima, or Buddha's birth anniversary, is commemorated in Myanmar by the devotional practices of releasing fish in open lakes or bodies of water and pouring water on the Mahabodhi tree—the tree that shielded Lord Buddha when he reached a state of enlightenment. It is believed that pouring water onto a Buddha statue represents a blessing, which is also a means of spreading goodwill and cleansing oneself.

A devotee prays in front of a reclining statue of Buddha in Myanmar. Source: Julie Ricard/Unsplash

Who celebrates Buddha Purnima?

Buddha Purnima is celebrated as a sacred day by millions of Buddhists. While some activities are specific to certain Buddhist traditions, there are similarities in devotional practices and worship. A central Buddhist belief is that life represents a continuous cycle of suffering and rebirth. By attaining enlightenment or Nirvana, one will be able to break free from this cycle.

Buddha Purnima involves puja or ceremonies for gifts or offerings, which are accompanied by prayers. This practice helps Buddhists show their deep appreciation and respect by offering gifts that are beautiful but fleeting such as flowers and fruits, or those that represent wisdom, such as candles.

Flower offerings are placed on the statue of Buddha during the celebration of Buddha Purnima. Source: Chris Ensey/ Unsplash

What foods are special to the holiday?

Being a Buddhist celebration, the food served during Buddha Purnima is vegetarian or vegan. As their beliefs forbid them from harming animals, Buddhists do not serve dishes that include meat or fish. While festivals are commonly viewed as a time of indulgence and feasting, Buddha Purnima is a bit different, as its main focus is on moderation and self-reflection. That being said, it does not mean that Buddhists are unable to enjoy the different delicacies and dishes that make this holy season as festive as any annual celebration.

Kheer is one of the most popular dishes served during Buddha Purnima. It is traditionally prepared by cooking rice in milk that is enriched with saffron, cardamom, jaggery, nuts, and dried fruit. As a specialty made during Buddha Purnima, kheer is customarily offered to Lord Buddha first. Afterward, the kheer is shared with the monks, family and friends, and with people in need as an expression of charity and goodwill.

Another food offering is Pumpkin Soup, which is prepared by cooking fresh pumpkin or squash, sweet potato with coconut milk, and a blend of herbs. Green Bean Namul is eaten after one's fast and is made with fresh green beans, tomatoes, and sesame seed oil to nourish the body. Vegetable Paste is a tasty treat made by combining parsley and curry leaves, chilies, cashews, almonds, sunflower oil, and lemongrass. All of these ingredients make a savory paste, which is fried and then served hot. A refreshing mango rice porridge also helps devotees to replenish their energy on a busy day, such as Buddha Purnima.

What are the origins of Buddha Purnima?

Buddha Purnima traces its origins to the key life events of Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. The festival celebrates three important events in the life of Gautama Buddha, from his birth as a prince in Lumbini in 563 B.C., his enlightenment at Bodh Gaya, and the end of his life in Kusinagar.

As Lord Buddha himself found enlightenment, his followers are encouraged to live by his example. Buddhists strive to find contentment in a simple life that renounces all worldly pleasures and material possessions.

All of these events occurred on a full moon day, which is why this holy Buddhist festival can be described as a way of honoring the Lord Buddha to the fullest. Buddha Purnima is not just about learning the principles of peace, love, and non-violence, but it is adapting these beliefs into their lives through the occasion.

What rituals are associated with Buddha Purnima?

During Buddha Purnima, followers of Lord Buddha dedicate themselves to puja, known as devotional practice or prayers. In homes, a statue of Lord Buddha is usually kept in a bowl filled with water and floating flower petals. Buddhist devotees visit the temple to offer fruits, flowers, and candles, which represent both the vulnerability and beauty of life. In line with the Buddhist principles of freedom, truth, and humanity, Buddhists also take time to help release animals such as birds, fish, and insects in the act of symbolic liberation. The connection between nature and people is evident in the tradition of adorning the Bodhi tree with flags, flowers, and bright lamps, pouring holy water on its roots, and offering a prayer for inner peace.

For fruit offerings, Buddhists prepare fresh and fragrant fruits such as mangoes, apples, oranges, watermelons, and pineapples. It is not advisable to mix various fruits in one offering plate. Only one type of fruit is used per offering. Options such as peaches, bananas, or dried fruits are also not considered suitable fruit offerings. As an alternative, devotees can offer one to three stems of a bamboo plant placed in a vase. For flower offerings, the ideal choices are chrysanthemums, daffodils, lilies, or orchids. While roses are popular blooms for most occasions, they are not regarded as appropriate gifts for a holy festival because of their thorns.

Other important activities associated with Buddha Purnima include prayer meetings, recitation of sacred Buddhist texts, processions, and paying homage to the statue of Lord Buddha. Some temples even display a small statue of the infant Lord Buddha as a way to represent a new and hopeful start.

People give their offerings to roaming Buddhist monks. Source: Daniel Marchal/Unsplash

Devotees traditionally wear white on this auspicious day to represent purity as they give food, clothing, and services to poor people. Preparing kheer as a prasad or religious offering is also associated with the celebration of Buddha Purnima. This ritual is based on the story of a woman named Sujata, who encountered Lord Buddha as he sat and meditated under the Ajapala Nigrodha tree. Sujata once pledged that she would offer milk rice to the tree spirit if she gave birth to a son.

When her wish had been fulfilled, Sujata had asked her maid Punna to take care of the place for the offering. When Punna saw Lord Buddha sitting under the tree, she mistook him for the spirit and relayed this to Sujata. Happy at the news, Sujata visited the place and offered the Lord Buddha milk rice in a golden bowl. This has since become a practice during Buddha Purnima. Buddhists remember this moment by offering kheer to people who are disadvantaged in life.

What is the meaning behind Buddha Purnima?

Buddhists devote themselves to learning and applying the teachings of Lord Buddha in everyday life. Buddha Purnima is one of the sacred festivals that seek to awaken and deepen one's faith and connection with others. Buddha Purnima is a lively yet revered celebration that revolves around Buddhism's tenets of harmony, peace, and non-violence. This full moon day festival honors the birth anniversary of Lord Buddha alongside his attainment of Nirvana and his physical death. Translated to a person's mundane experience, it can represent one's journey through life while meditating on his teachings and seeking to become a better or more enlightened human being whose purpose is to help serve others and safeguard the gift of life in this world

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