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Buddha Purnima
Festival Significance
Buddha Purnima commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and Mahaparinirvana of Gautama Buddha. Celebrated on Vaishakha Purnima, it is sacred to Buddhists and Hindus alike (Buddha is considered the 9th avatar of Vishnu).
Rituals
Visit Buddhist temples and monasteries. Meditate and practice the Eightfold Path. Offer flowers, incense, and candles at Buddha statues. Practice charity and compassion.
In Varanasi
Sarnath, just 10km from Varanasi, is where Buddha delivered his first sermon (Dhammachakkappavattana Sutta). Thousands of pilgrims from across the world gather at Dhamek Stupa and the Mulagandha Kuti Vihar on Buddha Purnima.