Mayur Pankh — cosmic peacock featherAdhyatmas

🪔 Hindu Festival · Vaishakha Maas

Buddha Purnima 2026

बुद्ध पूर्णिमा

Also known as: Vesak · Buddha Jayanti · Vaishakha Purnima

Date 2026

Sunday, 10 May 2026

Tithi

Vaishakha Purnima (Full Moon of Vaishakha month)

Duration

1 Day

Sacred Mantra

ॐ मणि पद्मे हूँ

What is Buddha Purnima?

Buddha Purnima is the most sacred day in Buddhism, marking three events in the life of Gautama Buddha — his birth, enlightenment (Bodhi), and Mahaparinirvana — all said to have occurred on Vaishakha Purnima. In Hinduism, Buddha is also revered as the ninth avatar of Lord Vishnu.

📖 Source: Buddhist texts — Gautama Siddhartha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree at Bodh Gaya on this full moon night

How to Celebrate Buddha Purnima — Rituals

  • 🪔Visiting Buddhist monasteries and temples for prayers and meditation
  • 🪔Offering white flowers, incense, and candles at Buddha shrines
  • 🪔Wearing white clothes — symbolising purity
  • 🪔Practising compassionate acts — releasing caged birds and fish
  • 🪔Listening to the Dhamma — discourses on Buddha's teachings
  • 🪔Circumambulating stupas and chanting Buddhist mantras

Regional Variations

srilanka southeast asia

Vesak — month-long celebrations with lanterns, processions, and acts of kindness

ladakh sikkim

Grand Buddhist prayers (pujas) in monasteries with butter lamp offerings

Associated Deities

🕉️ buddha🌀 vishnu

Sacred Places

🕯️ varanasi

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ When is Buddha Purnima 2026?
Buddha Purnima 2026 falls on Sunday, May 10, 2026. It is the full moon day of the Vaishakha month.
❓ Why is Buddha Purnima significant?
Buddha Purnima commemorates three key events in Gautama Buddha's life — his birth in Lumbini, his enlightenment at Bodh Gaya, and his Mahaparinirvana at Kushinagar — all believed to have occurred on Vaishakha Purnima.
❓ Is Buddha Purnima a public holiday in India?
Yes. Buddha Purnima is a national public holiday in India and is celebrated across Buddhist communities in Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh, Ladakh, Sikkim, and other states.
❓ Is Buddha considered an avatar of Vishnu?
In Hindu tradition, Gautama Buddha is considered the ninth avatar (incarnation) of Lord Vishnu. This is mentioned in the Bhagavata Purana and Garuda Purana.

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