May 25, 2:13 PM
Buddha Purnima is being celebrated today with traditional fervour and gaiety. In Uttar Pradesh, people took holy dip in Ganga and other sacred rivers early this morning in Allahabad, Varanasi and Ayodhya and performed pooja in temples. In Sarnath and Kushinagar, celebrations began on Friday evening with special prayers. According to legends, Lord Buddha was born in Lumbini, got enlightment in Bodhgaya and attained Nirvana in Kushinagar. He, for the first time, preached his five disciples in Sarnath after getting enlightment. Buddhist pilgrims from different countries including China, Japan, Sri Lanka and Thailand are taking part in special prayers at these places. Relics of Lord Buddha will be put on display this evening at Sarnath.
AIR Leh correspondent reports various functions including special prayers at monasteries, cultural functions, religious processions and lectures of life and teachings of Lord Buddha are being held to mark the occasion.
AIR Patna correspondent report that people are queuing up at Mahabodhi temple , Bodhgaya since morning to offer prayer. Buddhist monks form several countries are taking part in this festival. Dharma Sabha is being organized on this occasion under the Bodhi tree. Religious procession are also being organized on the occasion of Buddha Purnima.
The President, the Vice President and the Prime Minister have greeted the nation on Buddha Purnima.
