Buddha's birth anniversary celebrated across country

Nainital, May 6(ANI): Scores of Buddhist devotees from across India celebrated Buddha Jayanti, the birth anniversary of Lord Buddha, with fervour and gaiety on Sunday.

The festival, observed on the occasion of full moon night, was celebrated at several monasteries located in Uttarakhand.

The Buddhist monks took out a procession holding religious books and reciting prayers.

"We are celebrating the birth anniversary of Lord Buddha since the beginning of Buddhism. When Tibet was a free nation we used to celebrate Buddha Purnima every year. In Nainital, we celebrate the festival every third year," said Dolma, a Tibetan woman.

The Buddhist devotees carried the idol of Lord Buddha in a palanquin to mark his 2557th birth anniversary.

"We are celebrating 2557th birth anniversary of Lord Buddha. The main aim of this march is to promote peace and harmony across the world and for the welfare of the people," said Tenzin, a Tibetan leader.

The monks carried out processions in Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh as well.

" Lord Buddha attained Buddhotva and 'mahaparinirvana' on this day. It is an auspicious day for all the Buddhists and it is being celebrated with all enthusiasm across the world," said Buddhist monk, Mahendra Banse.

Similar scenes were witnessed in Varanasi city where monks took out a colourful procession.

The festival is celebrated across India on a full moon night in Vaisakha, which according to the Hindu calendar, usually falls in April or May. (ANI)