Buddha Purnima, also known as Vesak or Buddha Jayanti, is a major Buddhist festival that commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Gautama Buddha. It is celebrated on the full moon day in the month of Vaisakha (usually falls in May) in the Hindu calendar.
Varanasi, also known as Kashi, is a holy city in northern India that holds great significance for Buddhists, Hindus, and Jains alike. It is believed that Gautama Buddha gave his first sermon, known as the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta, at Sarnath, which is located near Varanasi.
During Buddha Purnima, thousands of Buddhists from all over the world visit Sarnath and Varanasi to offer prayers and pay homage to Lord Buddha. The main celebrations include chanting of Buddhist scriptures, lighting of lamps and candles, and offering of flowers and incense at Buddhist temples and monasteries.
In Varanasi, special programs and processions are held by Buddhist organizations, and the city is decorated with Buddhist flags and banners. The main event is the Buddha Purnima procession, which begins at the Mulagandha Kuti Vihar temple in Sarnath and ends at the Sarnath museum.
Overall, Buddha Purnima in Varanasi is a time of great reverence and devotion for Buddhists, as they celebrate the life and teachings of their beloved teacher and founder, Gautama Buddha.
