Vesak (what Indians call Buddha Purnima) was recently celebrated at Bodh Gaya, the site of the Buddha's enlightenment under the Bodhi tree, Bihar, India. The final Vesak celebration in Southern California: Sri Lankan temple, Anaheim, June 5-6.
The Bodh Gaya temple management committee organized a function to celebrate the 2,554th Buddha Jayanti at the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya, Buddhism's most sacred shrine. "Special [devotional activities] were organized under the Bodhi tree for world peace," a committee official said.
The celebration began with a procession from the 80-ft tall Buddha statue up to the Bodhi tree behind the temple.
"Hundreds of Buddhists, including members of the International Buddhist Council, took part in the procession," Bhikkhu Priyapal, a monk, told IANS. The temple premises and adjoining locality were bedecked with colorful flags and other decorative items.
Buddha Purnima (Vesak), which falls on a full moon day, is the most sacred day for Buddhists as they make pilgrimage trips to the places associated with the founder of Buddhism. Source
