Prime minister to address Buddha Purnima celebrations

News:Indian Prime Minister will participate in the Buddha Purnima celebrations.

Facts:

  • Buddha Purnima also known as Vesak Purnima is the birth anniversary of Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism.
  • The day commemorates birth, enlightenment and Death (or Parinirvana) of Lord Buddha, all of which is said to have taken place on the same day.
  • The United Nations General Assembly by its resolution in 1999 recognized internationally the Buddha Purnima.It was done to acknowledge the contribution that Buddhism made to humanity.

Additional Facts:

Main places associated with Gautam Buddha:

  • Lumbini (Nepal): Birthplace 
  • Bodh Gaya (Bihar): Enlightenment under the Mahabodhi tree.
  • Sarnath(Varanasi): Delivered his first sermon.
  • Kushinagar(Uttar Pradesh): Attained Parinirvana after his death 
  • Apart from these, Sravasti, Rajgir, Sankassa and Vaishali are also closely associated with the life of Gautam Buddha.