New Delhi, May 19 (ANI): President Pratibha Patil, Vice President Mohammad Hamid Ansari and Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh today greeted people on the eve of Buddha Purnima, the day Lord Buddha was born.

In her message, President Patil said, "On the auspicious occasion of Buddha Purnima, I offer my greetings and good wishes to all my fellow citizens."

"May the message of Lord Buddha inspire us to follow the path of truth, peace and compassion and serve humanity to affirm our faith in the eternal values of non-violence and universal brotherhood," she added.

In his message, Vice President Hamid Ansari said that Lord Budha through his enlightened teachings showed us the eternal path of ahimsa, right conduct and universal love. Lord Buddha's teachings have the power to save mankind from ignorance, turmoil and moral decay.

He said that let us imbibe Lord Budha's teachings for the enduring welfare of humanity.

Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh in his message said that the occasion is a reminder to humanity of the ideals of Lord Buddha. It reinforces the strength of the principles of non-violence, compassion and brotherhood.

"May this festival strenghthen the commitment to unity and fellow-feeling among citizens," he added.

Buddha Purnima is the most sacred day in the Buddhist calendar. It is the most important festival of the Buddhists.

Although Buddhists regard every full moon as sacred, the moon of the month of Vaisakh (April - May) has special significance because on this day the Buddha was born, attained enlightenment, and attained Nirvana when he died.

This strange, three - fold coincidence, gives Buddha Purnima its unique significance. 

Buddha Jayanti celebrated in Bodhgaya

Bodhgaya, May 19 (ANI): Followers of Buddhism from across the world celebrated Lord Buddha's birth anniversary with religious fervor in Bodh Gaya on Monday.

Followers from across the world thronged the holy land of Bodh Gaya to commemorate Buddha Jayanti.

Special prayers were organised under the Bodhi tree (the tree under which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment) and on this occasion where worshippers prayed for world peace.

"We have prayed here under this Bodhi tree for the well being of people around the world. We have also organised special prayers. We are praying for world peace so that natural calamities don't strike people," said Psiwali Teghro, a Buddhist Monk from Sri Lanka.

The devotees also took out a procession featuring a huge portrait of Lord Buddha and the event progressed with colorful dance performances.

The followers of Lord Buddha who came to be a part of this grand ceremony said the experience was inspiring and harmonious.

"It is wonderful to be here today on this wonderful day, the day of Buddha's enlightenment in this holy land under the Bodhi tree. It was very inspiring to be here and to see the gathering of people who have come here to worship Lord Buddha. Today particularly it was so peaceful and so very harmonious I feel honoured," said Richard Thero, a British devotee.

Buddha Purnima is the most sacred day for Buddhists as they take pilgrimage trips to the places associated with the founder of their faith Lord Buddha.

Lord Buddha, founder of Buddhism was born a prince at Lumbini in Nepal over 2,600 years ago.  He attained enlightenment at Bodh Gaya in Bihar.

Buddha Purnima falls on the full moon day, and this day holds special significance for the followers of Lord Buddha as the three main events of the life of Lord Buddha took place on the same day.

His birth, enlightenment and death all three occurred on the same date more than two millennia ago.

According to Hindu calendar based on lunar calculations these three main events fall on the full moon day in the month of Vaisakh (April to May).

Buddha's teachings are aimed at liberating human beings from the misery and sufferings of life.

Lord Buddha attained enlightenment while doing penance under the Bodhi tree near the temple in Bodh Gaya. (ANI)