May Festival 2026

📅 Date & Tithi Friday, 1 May 2026 – observed across India (including your region in Maharashtra) and Nepal Vaishakha Purnima (Full Moon) begins the evening of 30 April (~21:12 IST) and ends 1 May 🧘 Significance Buddha Purnima commemorates the birth , enlightenment , and Mahaparinirvana (final passing) of Siddhartha Gautama, Lord Buddha It falls on the Vaishakha full moon , with the date shifting annually as it follows the lunar calendar 🙏 Traditions & Celebrations In India Devotees visit Buddhist temples/viharas —especially around Bodh Gaya , Sarnath , and regions like Maharashtra , Bodh Gaya , Ladakh , etc.—to participate in prayers, meditation, and long sutra readings Early morning rituals include gathering before sunrise for flag hoisting , chanting , and alms-giving . The full moon ritual also involves feeding monks , donating food , and freeing caged birds/animals as acts of compassion ...