On Monday morning, Bodh Gaya witnessed a massive spiritual gathering as thousands of followers arrived to commemorate the 2569th birth anniversary of Lord Buddha. Devotees formed long queues at the sacred Mahabodhi Temple, widely regarded as the site where Buddha achieved enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree, bringing floral tributes and reciting prayers.
The Buddha Purnima celebrations for this year are taking place from May 11 to May 13. The event is being jointly coordinated by the Gaya district administration and the Bodh Gaya Temple Management Committee (BTMC). To maintain order and ensure visitor safety, significant security arrangements have been implemented. CCTV systems and a large deployment of police personnel are in place throughout the holy town.
Buddhist monk Pragya Priya expressed that Buddha Purnima carries profound spiritual significance. Today marks the 2569th year of Lord Buddha’s birth and enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree in this sacred land.” She noted the arrival of pilgrims from across India and countries like Myanmar, Japan, Thailand, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka, all eager to join the commemorations and seek blessings.
The Mahabodhi Temple, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was beautifully illuminated and decorated with flowers for the occasion. Visitors were seen offering prayers, participating in meditative sessions, and performing traditional rituals.
Festivities spread across the country, with Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh witnessing large gatherings along the Saryu River. “Devotees began taking holy dips as early as 2 a.m., offering prayers with great devotion,” shared priest Om Prakash Pandey. One pilgrim, who traveled from Bihar, shared the joy of celebrating with family by the sacred river, calling the experience both peaceful and spiritually profound.
Buddha Purnima continues to be a day of reflection, peace, and reverence, uniting Buddhists around the globe in honoring the life and teachings of Gautama Buddha.
