Buddha Jayanti in Lumbini

Name: Buddha Jayanti in Lumbini
Start: 2027-05-20
End: 2027-05-20
Location: Maya Devi Temple, Lumbini

The Buddha's birthday at his birthplace1 min readIn 233 days

Also known as: लुम्बिनीमा बुद्ध जयन्ती · बुद्ध जयन्ती · Buddha Purnima · Vesak · स्वाँया पुन्हि

Buddha Jayanti in Lumbini — The Buddha's birthday at his birthplace — Photo: Wikimedia Commons

On the full moon of Baisakh, Buddhists celebrate the Buddha's birth, enlightenment and passing. In Lumbini, monks and pilgrims from across Asia gather at the Maya Devi Temple for prayers, processions and butter lamps.

Buddha Jayanti marks three events that tradition places on the same full-moon day: the Buddha's birth at Lumbini, his enlightenment at Bodh Gaya and his passing at Kushinagar.

In Lumbini

The Sacred Garden fills with monks in robes of every colour, from Theravada and Mahayana traditions alike. There are chanting sessions, processions around the Maya Devi Temple, offerings at the Ashoka Pillar and the Bodhi tree, and butter lamps at night. Official ceremonies and peace programmes are held, and monasteries in the Monastic Zone hold their own celebrations.

Tips

Late April–May is the hottest time of year in the Tarai. Carry water, a hat and light clothing, and plan visits for the cooler hours.

Photo gallery

Festival dates follow the lunar calendar. Dates shown are approximate — confirm with a Nepali calendar (patro) before you travel.

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