Buddha Purnima (also known as Buddha Jayanti or Buddha’s Birthday) celebrated on May 23, 2024:
- Birth Anniversary of Gautam Buddha: Buddha Purnima marks the birth of Prince Siddhartha Gautama, who later became Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism.
- Significance: Celebrated on the Full Moon day in Vaishakha, it holds religious importance in Hinduism. Lord Buddha is believed to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
- Enlightenment: Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree in Bodh Gaya on this auspicious day.
- Commemorates Three Major Events: Buddha Purnima commemorates three significant events in Buddha’s life: his birth, enlightenment, and death (Parinirvana).
- Pilgrimage Sites: Lumbini in Nepal (where Buddha was born), Bodh Gaya (where he attained enlightenment), and Khushinagar (where he left his body) are major pilgrimage sites for Buddha’s followers
Q: On which day is Buddha Purnima celebrated?
A) New Moon day in Vaishakha
B) Full Moon day in Vaishakha
C) New Moon day in Ashadha
D) Full Moon day in Ashadha
Answer: B) Full Moon day in Vaishakha
Q: Where did Gautama Buddha attain enlightenment?
A) Sarnath
B) Bodh Gaya
C) Varanasi
D) Lumbini
Answer: B) Bodh Gaya
Q: Which of the following is NOT one of the events commemorated on Buddha Purnima?
A) Birth of Gautama Buddha
B) Enlightenment of Gautama Buddha
C) Death (Parinirvana) of Gautama Buddha
D) Marriage of Gautama Buddha
Answer: D) Marriage of Gautama Buddha
