Why is Buddha Purnima celebrated?

Purnima signifies that day of the full moon in Sanskrit. This is one of the most significant occasions for Buddhists around the world as they believe that on this day -
• Buddha took birth
• He attained knowledge and enlightenment
• His death or attainment of para-Nirvana.

Thus, the festival is called the thrice-blessed festival. Therefore, in India, the day is celebrated by paying a visit to common viharas as the Buddhists observe along and full-length sutra. Buddhism plays a vital focus in the achievement of the path taken up by Lord Buddha to attain enlightenment and salvation.

Across sacred sites like Bodhgaya or Sarnath, the celebrations are widespread. Similarly, the day is well celebrated in Sikkim, Ladakh, Arunachal Pradesh, and North Bengal areas.