Buddha Purnima, also known as Vesak or Buddha Jayanti, is a significant festival celebrated by Buddhists worldwide to commemorate the birth of Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha. Interestingly, India is home to several important Buddhist pilgrimage sites in India. These sites offer not only a journey through the life and teachings of the Buddha but also a glimpse into the rich cultural and historical heritage of the Indian subcontinent.
This Buddha Jayanti (May 23, 2024), let’s trace Buddha’s footsteps in India, and explore his teachings.
Bodh Gaya, Bihar
Bodh Gaya lies at the heart of Buddhist pilgrimage in India. This was where Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment and became the Buddha. The Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stands as a testament to this event. Pilgrims from all over the world flock here to meditate under the Bodhi tree and to pay homage to the enlightened one.
Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh
Located just a short distance from the ancient city of Varanasi,…
