Bank Holidays in May 2025 in India: Full List, State-Wise Details, and Planning Tips Bank Holidays in May 2025 in India: Full List, State-Wise Details, and Planning Tips

Buddha Purnima, also known as Vesak or Buddha Jayanti, is the most sacred day for millions of Buddhists and spiritual seekers across the world. It commemorates three monumental events in the life of Gautama Buddha—his birth, enlightenment (nirvana), and death (mahaparinirvana)—all believed to have occurred on the full moon day of Vaishakha month.

Buddha Purnima (also known as Vesak or Buddha Jayanti) will be observed on Monday, 12 May 2025. This date aligns with the full moon day (Purnima) in the Hindu month of Vaishakha, which is traditionally associated with the birth, enlightenment, and death (Mahaparinirvana) of Gautama Buddha.

This day is not only a moment of spiritual awakening but also a national holiday in many Indian states, marked by mass gatherings, meditation, charity, and reverence.

Read more: Buddha Purnima: History, Significance, Wishes and Quotes

Buddha Purnima 2025
Buddha Purnima 2025

Buddha Purnima 2025: Date and Timings

  • Gregorian Date: Monday, May 12, 2025

  • Tithi: Vaishakha Purnima

  • Moonrise: Around 6:45 PM (may vary by location)

  • Holiday Status: Gazetted holiday in states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Sikkim, and West Bengal

Who Was Gautama Buddha? A Brief Life Overview

Siddhartha Gautama, born around 563 BCE in Lumbini (modern-day Nepal), renounced a royal life at 29 in pursuit of truth. After years of deep meditation, he attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, Bihar, becoming Buddha, "The Awakened One." He spent the rest of his life spreading the Dharma, the teachings that form the core of Buddhism.

Buddha passed away at the age of 80 in Kushinagar, achieving Mahaparinirvana, the final liberation from the cycle of rebirth.

Why Is Buddha Purnima So Important?

Buddha Purnima is not just a religious holiday—it's a spiritual day of introspection. It represents:

  • Birth – Physical manifestation of compassion and wisdom

  • Enlightenment – Triumph of truth and insight over desire and ignorance

  • Passing (Mahaparinirvana) – Final liberation from samsara (cycle of rebirth)

These three events underscore the Buddha’s core teachings:

  • The Four Noble Truths

  • The Eightfold Path

  • Non-violence (Ahimsa)

  • Impermanence (Anicca)

  • Mindfulness (Sati)

Where and How Buddha Purnima Is Celebrated

Major Pilgrimage Sites in India

  1. Bodh Gaya (Bihar) – Site of enlightenment; hosts global Buddhist congregations, prayer sessions, and international monks’ assemblies.

  2. Sarnath (Uttar Pradesh) – Site of Buddha’s first sermon; special sermons and relic exhibitions are held.

  3. Kushinagar (Uttar Pradesh) – Place of Buddha’s Mahaparinirvana; a peaceful pilgrimage destination with processions and chanting.

Temples are adorned with flowers and lamps, and devotees perform rituals like:

  • Offerings of incense, candles, flowers, and water

  • Chanting of Dhamma texts and Buddha's discourses

  • Meditation and noble silence

Global Celebrations

In countries like Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, Vietnam, Bhutan, Nepal, and Japan, Buddha Purnima is marked by:

  • Lantern processions

  • Silent retreats and dhamma talks

  • Acts of kindness such as animal release and feeding the hungry

In UNESCO, Vesak Day is recognized as an international day of cultural and spiritual importance.

Spiritual Rituals and Customs

  • Bathing the Buddha statue with scented water (symbolizes purification of mind)

  • Lighting lamps and candles (sign of enlightenment)

  • Observing vegetarianism

  • Practicing Dana (charity) – donating food, clothes, money

  • Releasing birds or fish (symbol of letting go of karma and fear)

Monks lead sutta readings, group meditations, and dhamma teachings, encouraging followers to cultivate compassion, mindfulness, and detachment.

Public Holiday and Bank Closures

Recognized Public Holiday In:

  • Uttar Pradesh

  • Bihar

  • West Bengal

  • Sikkim

  • Maharashtra

  • Tripura

  • Arunachal Pradesh

Bank Impact:

Banks will remain closed in the above states under the RBI holiday schedule (Negotiable Instruments Act). Most schools, colleges, and government offices will also observe a holiday.

Religious tourism sees a major spike, with Bodh Gaya and Sarnath experiencing heavy footfall. Devotees and tourists from Southeast Asia and the West travel to these sites during this period.

Key Teachings to Reflect on Buddha Purnima

"All that we are is the result of what we have thought. The mind is everything."
— Gautama Buddha

"Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without."

This day is an invitation to practice mindfulness, cultivate inner stillness, and become more aware of the suffering around and within us.

Conclusion

Buddha Purnima 2025 is more than a celebration—it’s a universal call to awaken. As the world navigates challenges of conflict, stress, and confusion, Buddha’s message of peace, compassion, and mindful living remains more relevant than ever.

Whether you're visiting a temple, meditating in silence, or reading a verse from the Dhammapada, let May 14, 2025, be a turning point toward inner peace and enlightened action.

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