Gaya (Bihar) [India], May 18 : Devotees across the country celebrated Budh Purnima today to mark the birth anniversary of Gautam Buddha.
Faithfuls in Varanasi, Prayagraj, and Gaya celebrated the day with mass praying and taking a dip in the holy river Ganga in commemoration of Buddha, who is considered the eight incarnations of Lord Vishnu.
"Buddha Purnima is holy for us because our Lord Buddha was born, attained enlightenment, started his preaching journey in Lumbini and Kapilavastu and finally attained parinirvana after his death all on the same day. We also took out a procession of Buddha, which followers from around the world have come to witness," Chandram Muni, monk, and president of the Buddhist Council, Gaya said.

Vaishak Purnima or Buddha Purnima is celebrated on the full moon day (Purnima), in the month of Vaishakha, according to Hindu calendar.
"It is significant to donate food and money to the poor on this auspicious occasion of Budh Purnima. According to holy books by taking bath in the holy river on Budh Purnima, Goddess Bhagwati will bless the devotees with salvation" said Anand Prakash Diwedi.

Since Buddha was born in Sarnath, the city has significant meaning for Buddhists around the world. Also, after Buddha's enlightenment in Body Gaya, he travelled back to Sarnath where he met his disciples at Chaukhandi Stupa.
"Today is Buddha Purnima which is considered the most important day of Lord Buddha's life as he was born and attained Nirvana later on the same day. The holy temple of Sarnath has special significance in Buddha's life. He first preached about Dharma," explained Dr. Vedi Madhav Mishra.

People celebrate this day by praying and preparing milk porridge (Kheer) because one of Budha's followers 'Sujata' offered him Kheer in a bowl.