Context
Prime Minister Modi delivered the keynote address on 26th May 2021, on the occasion of Virtual Vesak Global Celebrations on Buddha Purnima.
Key-highlights of the event
- Organizer: The Culture Ministry in collaboration with the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC).
- It witnessed participation of all the supreme heads of the Buddhist Sanghas from around the world.
Vesaka
- The name of the observance is derived from the Pali term ves?kha or Sanskrit vai??kha, which is the name of the lunar month falling in April–May.
- In Mahayana Buddhist traditions, the holiday is known by its Sanskrit name (Vai??kha) and derived variants of it.
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About Buddha Purnima
- It is celebrated to mark the birth of Gautam Buddha, the founder of Buddhism.
- It is considered a 'triple-blessed day' - as Tathagata Gautam Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and Maha Parnirvana.
- It is believed that all the above three events occurred on this day.
- Buddha Purnima falls on a full moon night, usually between April and May, and it is a gazetted holiday in India.
- Buddha Purnima celebration is all about praying with the purest of feelings, and adopting what Buddhism stands for – peace, non-violence and harmony.
- In 2000, the United Nations (UN) resolved to internationally observe the day of Vesaka at its headquarters and offices.
