Religious observancePublic holiday

Buddha Jayanti

बुद्ध जयन्ती

Buddha Jayanti marks the birth, enlightenment and parinirvana of Gautam Buddha — all three said to have happened on the same lunar day. It falls on the full moon of Baisakh (April–May).

Significance

The Buddha was born in Lumbini in present-day Nepal in 563 BCE. The day is a national holiday and particularly important in Buddhist communities across the Himalaya.

How it is celebrated

Pilgrimages to Lumbini and Boudhanath. Monasteries hold special prayers and processions. Many families eat vegetarian food and visit stupas.