Buddha Jayanti

Buddha Jayanti, also called Buddha Purnima or Swanya Punhi in Nepal Bhasa, falls on the full moon of Baisakh, usually in May. For Buddhists it commemorates three events in the life of the Buddha: his birth, his enlightenment and his final passing into nirvana. Nepal celebrates with special pride, since the Buddha was born in Lumbini, in the south of the country.

In the valley

Monasteries and stupas are decorated with prayer flags and lamps. At Swayambhu and Boudha in Kathmandu, thousands of devotees circle the stupas from before dawn. In the Newar towns, including Bhaktapur and Thimi, Buddhist bahals display their treasures and images, and families visit to make offerings.

Newar Buddhism

Newar society has long been both Hindu and Buddhist, and Buddha Jayanti is a reminder of that shared heritage. Many families who worship Hindu deities also honour the Buddha, and priests of both traditions serve in the same towns.

Visiting

Namo Buddha, south-east of Dhulikhel, is an especially meaningful place to spend the day. Wherever you go, walk clockwise around stupas and prayer wheels, and join the lamp-lighting in the evening if invited.