Buddha Purnima, celebrated on May 1, 2026, marks the 2588th birth anniversary of Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism. This day is significant as it is believed that three major events in Buddha's life occurred on this full moon day: his birth in Lumbini, Nepal, his attainment of Nirvana in Bodh Gaya, and his death in Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh, India. The observance begins with the Purnima tithi starting at 09:12 PM on April 30 and ending at 10:52 PM on May 1. Celebrations include prayer meetings, sermons about Buddha's life, and charitable acts, such as offering food and clothes to those in need. Many devotees also practice a vegetarian diet to uphold the principle of non-violence. The day reflects the blending of Buddhist and Hindu traditions, with varying beliefs about Buddha's status as an incarnation of Lord Vishnu in different regions.