Buddha Purnima 2025: Date, history, significance and messages to send to family and friends

Buddha Purnima is one of the holiest days in Buddhism. In 2025, the festival, also known as Buddha Jayant, will be celebrated on Monday, May 12, on the occasion of the 2587th anniversary of the birth of the Lord Buddha.

The festival commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and the life of Gautam Buddha. Several Asian countries, including Thailand, China, Cambodia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Tibet, celebrate Buddha Purnima with enthusiasm.

Buddha Purnima 2025: Date

Buddha Purnima is observed on the day of the full moon in the month of Vaishakha, hence the date changes every year in the Gregorian calendar. The festival usually takes place in April or May because the Asian lunisolar calendars are used to determine the precise date.


This year, Buddha Purnima will be observed on Monday, May 12.

Purnima Tithi will begin at 8.01 pm on Sunday, May 11, and end at 10.25 pm on Monday, May 12.

Buddha Purnima 2025: History

The story of Gautam Buddha dates back to 2,500 years ago in Lumbini, Nepal. Gautama Buddha was born in Lumbini between 563 and 483 BCE, as per Buddhist tradition and archaeological discoveries.

The Mayadevi Temple and an Ashoka Pillar from 249 BCE represent the birth sites of Buddha in Lumbini.

According to certain Buddhist texts, Siddhartha attained enlightenment while meditating under a Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, Bihar.

On this day, Buddhists recite sutras, offer flowers, and burn incense. They also go to temples and exchange wishes for Buddha Purnima.

Buddha Purnima 2025: Significance

Gautam Buddha is believed to have achieved enlightenment on Buddha Purnima. Buddha spent 45 years preaching dharma, non-violence, harmony, compassion, and the way to nirvana. Buddhism is based on the suttas, or a collection of teachings from the Lord Buddha.

Some believe that Buddha is the ninth incarnation of Lord Krishna and the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu in the northern parts of India. However, Buddha is not considered an avatar of Lord Vishnu in the southern regions. Moreover, Buddhists do not consider Gautama Buddha Lord Vishnu's incarnation.

Lord Buddha discovered the way to put an end to struggles and achieved enlightenment after 49 days of meditation under the Bodhi (banyan) tree in Bodh Gaya.

It is a day to consider the three main tenets of Buddhism: Enlightenment, compassion, and peace. This historic occasion offers a chance to advance peace and harmony.

Buddha Purnima 2025: Wishes and messages

• May Lord Buddha bless you with peace, pleasure, and success in your life. Happy Buddha Purnima!
• May you discover your way to enlightenment and eternal pleasure on this auspicious day. Happy Buddha Purnima!
• May the calm of Buddha Purnima fill your heart with calm and peace. Greetings on Buddha Jayanti!
• May you be inspired to be the best version of yourself by the lessons taught by the Buddha. Happy Buddha Purnima!