Purnima in May 2024: When is Vaishakha Purnima? Date, Rituals and Importance

Purnima has a great significance in Hindu religion and people offer prayers to Lord Vishnu and Moon God. This month, Vaishakha Purnima Vrat is going to be observed on May 23, 2024. On this auspicious day, various observances takes place which makes it more special. Today, we are going to learn about the importance of Vaishakha Purnima and what rituals are being performed on this auspicious day:
Vaishakha Purnima 2024: Date and Time
Purnima Tithi Begins - May 22, 2024 - 06:47 PM
Purnima Tithi Ends - May 23, 2024 - 07:22 PM
Vaishakha Purnima 2024: Significance
Worship of Lord Vishnu - Purnima is considered an auspicious day to worship Lord Vishnu.Devotees observe fast from dawn to dusk and in the evening twilight time, they worship Lord Vishnu and offer him panchamrit, tulsi patra and this fast is popularly known as Satyanarayan Vrat.
Worship of Moon God - On this auspicious day of Purnima, devotees also worship God by offering water, sweets and flowers. They observe fast and in the evening, they offer prayers to the Moon. It is believed that on this auspicious day, Moon through its divine rays showers his blessings on earth.
Budha Purnima - Vaishakha Purnima is also known as Budha Purnima as this day is celebrated to commemorate he birth anniversary of Siddhartha Gautam, later known as Gautam Buddha. Siddhartha was born on this auspicious day in Lumbini, present-day Nepal, around 563 BCE.
Vaishakha Purnima also commemorates the day that Siddhartha Gautama, under the Bodhi Tree in Bodh Gaya in modern-day Bihar, India, attained enlightenment, also known as Bodhi or Buddhahood. This incident took place during Siddhartha's long meditation, during which he gained a profound understanding of the essence of existence and the way to be freed from suffering.
Vaishakha Purnima is also observed as Vesak Day in various nations, a public holiday honouring the life, teachings, and legacy of Gautama Buddha. Vesak Day is honoured by colorful processions, illuminated decorations, and cultural performances that promote Buddhist principles and customs.