Festival guide

Buddha Purnima

बुद्ध पूर्णिमा

Birth, enlightenment, and Mahaparinirvana of Gautama Buddha.

At a glance

How is Buddha Purnima dated?

Buddha Purnima is an annual Hindu observance whose Gregorian date can change each year. Samvat calculates each year's date from its tithi Panchang rule; choose a year for the exact date and tithi.

Also known as: Buddha Jayanti, Vesak.

Yearly reference

Buddha Purnima dates by year

Choose a year for the exact Gregorian date, Hindu date, observance rule, and related calendar links.

Why this date?

Falls on Vaishakha Shukla Purnima (full moon in Vaishakha month). All three major events in Buddha's life occurred on this full moon, typically in May.

Learn how Hindu calendar dates are calculated

Buddha Purnima tithi and Panchang details

Date determined by

Lunar tithi

Category

Major festival

Nakshatra

Swati

Dietary practice

Vegetarian food

Significance

Sacred day for Buddhists worldwide. Also celebrated by Hindus.

Traditions and Regions

Traditions

MeditationTemple visitsCharityKheer offering

Observed in

Pan-IndiaNepalSri Lanka

Common questions

How is Buddha Purnima dated?

Buddha Purnima is an annual Hindu observance whose Gregorian date can change each year. Samvat calculates each year's date from its tithi Panchang rule; choose a year for the exact date and tithi.

What is the tithi for Buddha Purnima?

The Hindu date is calculated separately each year from the tithi, paksha, and Hindu month for Buddha Purnima. Choose a year above to see the details.

Can the date differ by city?

Yes. Panchang values depend on sunrise, sunset, moonrise, and timezone. Samvat's public festival page uses an India-baseline calculation; local observance can differ by city, sampradaya, or family tradition.