What is Buddha Jayanti?
बुद्ध जयन्ती
Buddha Jayanti marks the birth, enlightenment and passing of the Buddha, who was born in Lumbini, Nepal: monastery visits, lamps, prayers and kindness.
What Buddha Jayanti is
Buddha Jayanti, also called Buddha Purnima, falls on the full moon of Baisakh. It remembers Siddhartha Gautama, who was born in Lumbini, in southern Nepal, and is honoured as the Buddha. In Nepal the day recalls his birth, his enlightenment and his passing together. Lumbini is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It is a public holiday in Nepal. It is kept by Nepal's Buddhist communities, including the Newar, Tamang, Sherpa and Gurung, and by many others whatever their own faith.
How the day is kept
People rise early, dress in white or in plain clothes, and visit a monastery or stupa. Swayambhunath and Boudhanath in Kathmandu are full all day, and pilgrims travel to Lumbini. Offerings are simple: butter lamps, incense, flowers and fruit.
People walk around the stupa clockwise, spin the prayer wheels, listen to teachings and chant. Many keep a vegetarian day, give food or money to monks and to people in need, and share kheer. In towns there are processions with an image of the Buddha.
Buddha Jayanti away from home
Buddhist temples and monasteries across the US hold services on or near the day, and Nepali Buddhist groups organise their own, often with chanting, a talk and a shared vegetarian meal. Dress modestly, take off your shoes at the door, and ask before taking photographs inside.
Common questions
- Buddha Jayanti kahile ho? When is Buddha Jayanti 2027?
- It falls on the full moon of Baisakh, usually between late April and May. The exact day is confirmed each year from the Nepal government calendar.
- Where was the Buddha born?
- In Lumbini, in present-day southern Nepal. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the main place of pilgrimage on Buddha Jayanti.
- Is Buddha Jayanti the same as Vesak?
- Vesak is the name used in Sri Lanka and much of Southeast Asia for the same full-moon observance. The day can differ from country to country because the calendars differ.
- Do you have to be Buddhist to take part?
- No. Visitors are welcome at most monasteries and community events. Dress modestly, be quiet inside, and follow what the others do.