Buddha Purnima in Varanasi

Varanasi is the oldest continually inhabited city of the world. With its rich cultural heritage and tradition Varanasi remains the cultural capital of India. It is also known as Benaras or Kashi and is situated in the state of Uttar Pradesh on the banks of Ganges. The city is famous for its pilgrimage and is one of the most famous tourist attractions in India. The city has always been famous for its colorful fairs, festivals and events. Almost every month some festival or the other is celebrated in this ancient city. The cultural life of the people of Varanasi is associated with river Ganges and its importance. Buddha Purnima in Varanasi is celebrated in this ancient city with religious fervor.

Buddha Purnima in Varanasi attract large Buddhist crowd from all over Varanasi. This auspicious day falls on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Vaishaka (the lunar month that corresponds to the month of April- May). This festival is also known as Buddha Jayanti. Buddha Purnima is celebrated all over India.

This day commemorates the birth, enlightenment and the death of Lord Buddha as all these three incidents occurred in this full-moon day of Vaisakh. Lord Buddha is considered to be the ninth incarnation of Vishnu. Sarnath holds an important place for Buddhists because Gautama Buddha gave his first sermon there and that is why Buddha Purnima is celebrated with great dedication and devotion in Sarnath, 10 kilometer away from Varanasi. Since then Sarnath celebrate Buddha purnima as an annual festival.

On the occasion of Buddha Purnima large fairs are also held. The Buddhist devotees bathe in the holy Ganges and put on white clothes only. They gather in viharas to worship, meditate and offer fruits, flowers and candles to the idol of Lord Buddha. They spend their entire days there. Buddha Purnima in Varanasi people refrain from taking in meat. They decorate their houses with papers and cloth depicting tales from Jatakas. Besides Sarnath, Buddha Purnima is celebrated with the same fervor at Gaya, Kushinagar and all over India. Buddhists chant prayers to pay homage to Gautama Buddha and even recite from Buddhist scriptures. Buddhists devotees take out large procession and remnants of Lord Buddha for the common people. People gather in Sarnath to celebrate this auspicious day as it is the ultimate pilgrimage for the Buddhists.