What is Buddha Purnima?
Buddha Purnima, also called Vesak, is the most sacred day for Buddhists. It falls on the full moon of the month of Vaishakha and marks three events in the life of Gautama Buddha: his birth, his enlightenment and his passing into nirvana.
Where it is celebrated
Bodh Gaya, where the Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree, and Sarnath, where he gave his first sermon, host large gatherings. The day is also celebrated in Sikkim, Ladakh, Arunachal Pradesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka and across Asia.
How it is celebrated
Devotees wear white, visit monasteries, offer flowers, candles and incense, and listen to teachings. Many people give food and help to those in need, and kheer is traditionally prepared, recalling the rice pudding offered to the Buddha by Sujata.