Event Details

Buddha Jayanti is a national festival observed on the full moon day of May. This day is remembered as the birthday of Gautam Buddha 563 BCE and also the days he got enlightened and he died 483 BCE . On this day people visit nearby stupas, listen to the monks chanting, spin prayer wheel, and go in the deep state of meditation and self-realization. This day milk porridge is taken as the main course and the story of Sujata is recalled where she had offered Gautam Buddha a bowl of milk porridge. The Shakya clan in Nepal consider them as the lineage of Gautam Buddha and observe the festival with special rituals. A pure white dress is supposed to be worn during this festival.

Not only Buddhist but all Hindu Nepalese also celebrate Buddha Jayanti. People take pride in having the birthplace of Lord Gautam Buddha, Lumbini in Nepal. Many international pilgrims visit this sacred site during a week-long festival. People in Kathmandu visit Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, and several other stupas to worship Lord Gautam Buddha for inner peace and wisdom. People also go for a day trip to Namobuddha, explore the monastery and enjoy a picnic in surrounding areas. Huge crowds gather for picnic and celebration in Amideva Buddha Park. 

Buddha Jayanti is also called Buddha Purnima, Baisakh Purnima, Buddha festival and Swānyā Punhi in Newari language. Many east asian countries including China, India, Japan, Korea, Indonesia, Mongolia, Taiwan, Thailand, Myanmar, Bhutan, and more also celebrate Buddha jayanti during the month of May.