Buddha is one of the many epithets of a teacher who lived in northern India sometime between the 6th and the 4th century before the Common Era.His followers, known as Buddhists, propagated the religion that is known today as Buddhism
The title buddha was used by a number of religious groups in ancient India and had a range of meanings, but it came to be associated most strongly with the tradition of Buddhism and to mean an enlightened being, one who has awakened from the sleep of ignorance and achieved freedom from suffering.
History of Buddha Mahotsav-
The story of his enlightenment; of his renounce and sacrifices; and his transformation from Prince Siddhartha to the Buddha continues to inspire people to this day. The mighty mystic became the establisher of the religion of Buddhism - an ideology which once dominated the minds of the major section of the population of the Indian subcontinent. It is said that all the three important events in the life of Gautama Buddha – his birth, enlightenment and salvation – fall on the same day of the year. Owing to this happenstance, the day holds immense value in Buddhism. The decision to celebrate Buddha’s birth anniversary on the first full moon day of Vaisakha was taken by the World Fellowship of Buddhists in May, 1960.
Buddha Mahotsav as the name suggests the festival is commemorated to honor and celebrate Lord Buddha. The festival is celebrated in Kushinagar, which is known to be the place where Lord Buddha gained enlightenment.Celebrated to honor Lord Buddha, the festival is celebrated each year in the month of December from 29th to 31st. Lord Buddha was born on the Puranmashi (Full moon) in the month of Vaisakh in 563 BC.
The Buddha Mahotsav is held at Kushinagar, Sarnath and Varanasi to celebrate the birthday of Lord Buddha. Buddha got enlightenment the same day he was born and on the same day is marked as the death anniversary of Gautama Buddha.
How is it Celebrated?
Sermons and reading of the Buddhist scriptures are another significant spiritual activities carried out by the devotees at Sarnath. They put forward fruits, flowers, candles, etc in front of the statues of the Lord Buddha according to their beliefs and customs. Decoration of the whole area at Sarnath with the earthen lamps takes place in the evening of the day.
There is also a tradition of taking dips in the holy river Ganga as it is believed this washes away sins.On this day, followers of Buddhism wear white clothes and meditate. They consume only vegetarian food. Often, people also celebrate it by preparing ‘kheer’- an Indian sweet dish, at their homes. Offerings are made to the Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, Bihar, and alms are also distributed to the needy and poor.
Buddha Mahotsav was first started at the Sarnath in the year 1998 by the UP tourism and Ministry of Tourism of Government of India. K. R.
The annual Buddha Purnima Mahotsav is held at Sarnath in Uttar Pradesh.
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