Prime Minister Modi delivered the keynote address on 26th May 2021, on the occasion of Virtual Vesak Global Celebrations on Buddha Purnima.
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.
