In Buddhism, there are many festivals commemorated by Buddhists throughout the year. These notable festivities celebrate various events in the lives of Buddhas, Bodhisattvas and famous teachers. Umpteen fairs, procession and carcades are organised in the name of Buddha annually. During these occasions people engage themselves in numerous meditations operations and Yoga Programs. They take refugee and follow the precepts/principles taught by Buddha. Ardent Practitioners also sometimes leave the home life to become saints/monks and nuns.
Buddha Poornima
Buddha Poornima is observed on the full moon night according to Buddhism Calendar in the Hindu Month of Vaisakh. It celebrates the Birth Day of "Gautama Buddha" every year who was the founder of Buddhism Community. Buddha Purnima is popularly known as- Vesak as it falls in the Vaisakha (Baisakh) Month. In the year 2018, It will be remarked on 29th March. . On this eminent day, Buddhists take part in the ceremonial bathing of the Buddha and pour rose water on an idol of baby Siddhartha. This indicates the purification of deeds and the actions. They visit the nearby Buddha Temples to pay homage to Buddha.
Buddha Day
The most notable and distinguished Festival remarked by the Buddhist community is- BUDDHA DAY. This illustrious event celebrates the Birth-Anniversary of Buddha who is the founder of Buddhism Community. He shows the path of Enlightenment, Righteousness and Nirvana to his followers and Practitioners. It basically falls on the full-moon day in the Month of May/April. They commemorate this auspicious festivity by pouring holy water intense with roses over a Buddha idol. This symbolizes purifying one's thoughts and actions. People throng together in the historic and divine places which are decorated with flowers and banners on this very important day. Vegetarian meals are provided for all; and captive animals, such as birds and turtles are set free. This festival brings in joy and happiness around.
Dharma Day
'Dharma Day' is famous as- Asalha Puja among Buddhist People. It is celebrated during full-moon in July. This holiday remarks as the first disclosure of Buddha to the five monks in the Deer Park at Benares city. It is celebrated among the Indians and large carcades are organised to bestow reverence to Lord- Buddha.
Sangha Day
Sangha Day is well-known with the name- Kathina Day among the Buddhist community. It is usually held in the month of October. According to a ritual, some saints participate in various retreat programs during the rainy season. Fairs and processions are carried out along with Buddha Portrait upon a chariot and the devotees sing songs and hymns on the name of Siddhartha.
Ullambana
Ullambana is one of the renowned Buddhism’s Festivities whose observance is based on the story of his disciple- ‘Maudgalyayana’. It is basically observed in September month.
The story is:
When Maudgalyayana's mother died, he wanted to know where she was reborn. Using his spiritual powers, he traveled into the hells and found her suffering miserably from hunger. He brought her a bowl of food, but when she tried to swallow it, the food turned into hot coals.
The distressed Maudgalyayana asked the Buddha, "Why is my mother suffering in the hells?"
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