Buddha Purnima also known as Vesak will be celebrated on April 30 this year by Buddhists all over the world. Considered the most significant festival observed in history of Buddhism, Buddha Purnima date is determined according to the Hindu Lunisolar Calendar. Vesak, Buddha Day or Buddha Purnima marks the birth anniversary of Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism. Apart from Buddhists, some Hindus mark the day as Buddha's Birthday in India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Tibet, China, Japan and many other Asian countries.  As it falls on a Purnima (full moon day) in the month of Vaishakha, the day is referred to as Buddha Purnima in India. While Buddha Purnima 2018 muhurat timings fall on April 30, the celebrations have already begun in full steam.

Devotees go to Buddha shrines and offer prayers. Teachings on compassion and non-violence are held at various places of Buddhist worship. Followers of the religion also chant mantras, meditate and read scriptures related to Buddhism. Some also offer fruits and sweets to the deities of Lord Buddha and light lamps and incense sticks in front of the idol.

Buddha Purnima Tithi

The timings of Purnima Tithi are from 06:37 am on April 29 to 06:27 am on April 30, 2018. Holy sites of Buddhism, Gaya, Kushinagar and Sarnath sees a lot of Buddhist devotees. A fair is held at Sarnath which is believed to be the place where Lord Buddha conducted his first sermon. People wear white clothes, pray, meditate and chant from the scriptures.

In Sri Lanka, all liquor shops, slaughterhouses, casinos, betting centres and clubs will remain closed on April 29 and 30 for Vesak celebrations. The sale of meat and liquor at supermarkets will also be prohibited during those two days. In Colombo where a majority of the population celebrates Vesak, around 3,000 police personnel has been deployed for security and traffic controls in the Colombo City

In India, devotees visit Viharas and offer prayers to Buddha statues. Buddhists refrain from eating non-vegetarian food and killing any animals on this day or use onion or garlic. Kheer is among the most widely prepared delicacy of the day. According to the Vedic literature, Lord Buddha is an incarnation of Lord Krishna (Vishnu) and hence appeared on earth some 2500 years ago. By celebrating this day devotees commemorate the birth, enlightenment and the passing away of Gautama Buddha.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 29, 2018 10:22 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).