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Buddha Purnima is a significant festival in the Buddhist tradition, observed across South, Southeast, and East Asia. It commemorates the birth of Prince Siddhartha Gautama, who later became known as Gautama Buddha and founded Buddhism. According to Buddhist tradition and archaeological findings, Gautama Buddha was born around 563-483 BCE in Lumbini, Nepal. His mother, Queen Maya Devi, gave birth to him during a journey to her ancestral home, while his father was King Śuddhodana. The Mayadevi Temple, along with its surrounding gardens and an Ashoka Pillar dating back to 249 BCE, marks the site of Buddha's birth in Lumbini.
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The exact date of Buddha's birthday varies depending on different lunar calendars observed in various Asian regions. While the Sri Lankan convention determines the specific year, other lunisolar calendars may assign different lunar days. Consequently, the celebration of Buddha's birthday typically falls in April or May on the Western Gregorian calendar, with variations occurring in leap years, sometimes extending into June.
Across South and Southeast Asia, Buddha's birth is commemorated as part of the Vesak festival, which also honors his enlightenment (occurring on the full moon day) and his mahaparinirvana. However, Tibetan Buddhism distinguishes Buddha's birth, celebrated on the 7th day of the 4th month, from Saga Dawa Duchen, an annual festival dedicated to his enlightenment and mahaparinirvana, observed on the 15th day of the 4th month. In East Asia, particularly in Vietnam and the Philippines, separate holidays are dedicated to the enlightenment and death of Buddha.
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