Vaishakh, Purnima
Buddha Purnima, also called Buddha Jayanti or Vesak, marks the birth, enlightenment and mahaparinirvana (final passing) of Lord Buddha, all three of which, tradition holds, fell on the full moon of Vaishakh. It is observed with prayers at Buddhist shrines, the lighting of lamps and acts of kindness.
Festival calendar
Other festivals in the calendar.
Mahavir Jayanti / Mahavir Janma Kalyanak
Chaitra, Shukla Trayodashi
Mahavir Jayanti, also called Mahavir Janma Kalyanak, marks the birth of Bhagwan Mahavir, the twenty-fourth Tirthankara of Jainism. It is observed with prayers at Jain temples, the ceremonial bathing of his idol, processions carrying his image in a chariot, and acts of charity.
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Hanuman Jayanti
Chaitra, Purnima
Hanuman Jayanti marks the birth of Lord Hanuman, observed with worship at sunrise and recitation of the Hanuman Chalisa. Several regions, including parts of South India, observe it on other dates in their own calendars.
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Akshaya Tritiya / Akha Teej
Vaishakh, Shukla Tritiya
Akshaya Tritiya, also called Akha Teej, takes its name from 'akshaya', meaning never diminishing: tradition holds that good deeds, gifts and new beginnings made on this day bring lasting merit. It is observed with worship and charity, and is traditionally considered auspicious for buying gold.
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