Less than a month before the opening of the main Buddhist festival of India: Buddha Purnima, also known as Buddha Jayanti. This takes place during the full moon of the fourth lunar month (Vaishakha) Hindu calendar period takes place between April and May, although the exact date in 2011 coincides with the May 17 .
Although this tradition is celebrated in different places of the Asian subcontinent, the focal point is the celebration is the city of Bodh Gaya, located 96 km from Patna, capital of the eastern state of Bihar.
Until then many of the faithful come from all over the world in order to participate in collective prayers and colorful processions in honor of Buddha. In them, take some pictures of Buddhist temples to chair these events are very popular and revered by the attendees. In addition, food offerings are made out of respect and devotion.
The newcomer will notice quickly that the predominant color in the clothing of the pilgrims is white. Also during this time avoided eating meat. A product widely consumed is the kheer, made from sweet rice flakes.
In the Budhha Purnima-term which in Spanish means' Buda' anniversary, "marks the birth of Prince Siddhartha Gautama Nepal, founder of Buddhism, who came to earth in 563 BC However, this is not the only milestone that is remembered, and also remember two key moments in his life: his enlightenment (defined as the attainment of supreme wisdom) and access to Nirvana after his death, which occurred in 483 BC
In any case, we must remember that these three episodes not only acquire a deep significance for Buddhists, but also for Hindus, as the latter consider the Buddha as the ninth incarnation of Vishnu, the god of destruction. Hence the Purnima Budhha occupies a unique place in the field of sacred festivals of India.
However, we must not lose sight of this festival is not unique to the country in question, since it also enjoys the status of official holiday in Hong Kong , Macao and South Korea.