When is Buddha Purnima in 2026?

Buddha Purnima 2026 will be celebrated on Friday, May 1st, 2026.

What is the importance of Kheer on Buddha Purnima?

It commemorates the simple meal of milk-rice (Payesh) offered by Sujata to Siddhartha, which gave him the strength to attain Supreme Enlightenment under the Bodhi tree.

How is Vesak celebrated in West Bengal?

In West Bengal, major celebrations occur in the Buddhist monasteries of Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and the Mahabodhi Society in Kolkata, featuring prayers, discourses, and processions.

Is Buddha Purnima a public holiday in India?

Yes, Buddha Purnima is a gazetted public holiday across India, including West Bengal, meaning banks, schools, and government offices remain closed.

What does the 'Purnima' in Buddha Purnima signify?

Purnima means 'Full Moon Day'. The Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and passing are all traditionally believed to have occurred on the full moon day of the month of Vaisakha.

Buddha Purnima 2026 | বুদ্ধ পূর্ণিমা ২০২৬

Buddha Purnima 2026 - Celebrating Vesak and the Light of Asia

Looking for calendar views and tithis?

Read more about the exact tithi timings and planetary alignments in our comprehensive May 2026 Calendar.

View May Calendar →

About Buddha Purnima(উৎসব পরিচিতি)

Buddha Purnima, also known as Vesak, is the most sacred day for Buddhists worldwide, celebrating the birth, enlightenment, and passing (Mahaparinirvana) of Gautama Buddha. In 2026, it falls on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Vaisakha. In West Bengal, the day is marked by serene atmosphere in monasteries, where devotees gather for meditation and to listen to the teachings of peace and non-violence.

History: Born as Prince Siddhartha Gautama in Lumbini, the Buddha sought the end of human suffering. He attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, a site of immense spiritual importance in the neighboring state of Bihar. The tradition of celebrating Buddha Purnima in Bengal has deep historical roots, particularly in the Himalayan districts of Darjeeling and Kalimpong, as well as ancient centers in Kolkata that have preserved Buddhist heritage for centuries.

Significance: The significance of Buddha Purnima 2026 lies in the universal message of 'Karuna' (Compassion). In Bengal, it is a day for 'Daana' (charity) and visiting local mathas like the Bauddha Dharmakur Sabha in Kolkata. It signifies the light of wisdom dispelling the darkness of ignorance, with families offering 'Payesh' (Kheer) to commemorate Sujata's offering to the Buddha.

Rituals & How to Celebrate

Buddha Vandana: Chanting sacred verses and offering prayers at monasteries.

Vesak Lanterns: Decorating homes and temples with colorful paper lanterns.

White Attire: Wearing pure white clothing as a symbol of peace and discipline.

Ahimsa: Strict observance of non-violence and avoiding any harm to living beings.

Charity: Distributing food, clothes, and medicines to the needy.

Traditional Foods & Bhog

Payesh (Sweet Rice Pudding/Kheer)Traditional Bengali Vegetarian ThaliFruits and SproutsTraditional Sweets

Festival Calendar

May1

Buddha Purnima

১৮ বৈশাখ • বুদ্ধ পূর্ণিমা ২০২৬

Fri

Related Festivals

Guru Purnima

গুরু পূর্ণিমা ২০২৬

29 July

Maha Shivaratri

মহা শিবরাত্রি ২০২৬

15 February

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore More

May 2026 Calendar Daily Panjika All Festivals 2026 Full Year Calendar

Quick Info

FestivalBuddha Purnima

Date1 May 2026

DayFriday

Tithiত্রয়োদশী

Bangla Date১৮ বৈশাখ ১৪৩২

Pakshaশুক্লপক্ষ

Panjika Details

Sunrise5:15 AM

Sunset6:25 PM

Nakshatraঅশ্বিনী

Yogaহর্ষণ

Karanaশকুনি

Need Bengali Date conversion?