Buddha Purnima, also known as Vesak, is one of the most important festivals for Buddhists. It marks the birth, enlightenment (Nirvana), and death (Mahaparinirvana) of Lord Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. The festival is observed on the full moon day (Purnima) of Vaishakha month (April–May). Buddha Purnima was celebrated on 1 May 2026.
- Gautama Buddha was born as Prince Siddhartha in Lumbini (present-day Nepal) around 563 BCE.
- He attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree at Bodh Gaya (Bihar).
- He delivered his first sermon at Sarnath (Uttar Pradesh).
- He attained Mahaparinirvana at Kushinagar (Uttar Pradesh).
