By Afiur
May 01, 2026
Every year, Buddha Purnima 2026 is observed by Buddhists in May, and this year it falls on May 1, as the date depends on the Lunar calendar.
The day not only marks the 2588th birth anniversary of Gautama Buddha, but also the day he achieved enlightenment, and the day of his passing.
Gautam Buddha, who is the founder of Buddhism, was a prince born as Siddhartha Gautama in Lumbini, who gave up his life of luxury to end human suffering.
According to the 2011, India has about 8.4 million Buddhism followers, with most of the population in Maharashtra, apart from Sikkim, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh.
One of the most important examples of Buddhism in India is Dr BR Ambedkar converting to Buddhism from Hinduism, and with him over 3 lakh followers.