Today, India celebrates a spiritually significant day that holds deep meaning across two major traditions — Hinduism and Buddhism. While both festivals fall on the full moon (Purnima) of the Vaishakh month, their rituals, deities, and spiritual goals differ, making this full moon a uniquely unifying moment of devotion, reflection, and cultural richness.
🌸 Vaishakh Purnima in Hindu Tradition
Celebrated as the final full moon of the holy Vaishakh month in the Hindu calendar, Vaishakh Purnima marks the culmination of a month-long period of religious observance.
Key Rituals:
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Holy river baths and fasting
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Worship of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi
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Reading the Satyanarayan Katha
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Offering arghya to the Moon (6:57 PM today)
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Donations of essentials like water, food, rice, and fans
According to Hindu belief, prayers on Vaishakh Purnima can wash away sins, bring prosperity, and open the path to moksha (liberation).
Today’s Astrological Timings:
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Purnima Tithi: May 11 (6:55 PM) – May 12 (7:22 PM)
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Puja Muhurat: May 12, 11:51 AM – 12:45 PM
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Ravi Yoga: 5:33 AM – 6:17 AM
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Bhadra: Ends at 9:14 AM (but in Patal Lok, so rituals are allowed)
(inputs-timesnow)
Buddha Purnima in Buddhist Tradition
For followers of Buddhism, this same day is known as Buddha Purnima — the 2569th birth anniversary of Lord Gautam Buddha, who is believed to have been born, attained enlightenment, and passed away all on this very full moon.
Celebrations Across India:
Thousands of devotees gathered at Bodh Gaya, where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. The Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was beautifully decorated with lights and flowers. Monks and lay followers from Thailand, Japan, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Myanmar, and across India offered prayers, chanted, and meditated in silence.
“This day is not just about Buddha’s life; it’s about walking the path of peace and inner awakening,” shared monk Pragya Priya in Bodh Gaya.
In urban homes, people observe silence, read Buddhist scriptures, and offer food to the poor.
Same Moon, Different Paths
While both Vaishakh Purnima and Buddha Purnima share the same date, they represent different spiritual traditions:
| Festival | Religion | Focus | Key Practices |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vaishakh Purnima | Hindu | Ritual purity, worship, donations | Vishnu puja, Satyanarayan Katha, arghya to Moon |
| Buddha Purnima | Buddhist | Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and nirvana | Prayer, meditation, and offerings at the Mahabodhi Temple |
Both paths, however, emphasize compassion, charity, and devotion, making this day a celebration of India’s spiritual diversity.
