Buddha Purnima 2026 Date and Purnima Tithi
Buddha Purnima (Vesak, Buddha Jayanti) 2026 was observed on Friday, 1 May 2026, Vaishakha Purnima.
Buddha Purnima 2026 date and Purnima tithi
Buddha Purnima 2026: Friday, 1 May 2026 (observed)
Buddha Purnima falls on the full moon of Vaishakha. In 2026 Purnima tithi ran from 9:12 PM on 30 April to 10:52 PM on 1 May (New Delhi), so the full-moon day was Friday, 1 May. Drik Panchang counted it as the 2588th birth anniversary of Gautama Buddha. Buddhist communities in Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand and elsewhere set Vesak by their own calendars, so the date abroad can differ.
| Item | Time (IST, New Delhi) |
|---|---|
| Purnima tithi begins | 9:12 PM, 30 April 2026 |
| Purnima tithi ends | 10:52 PM, 1 May 2026 |
Significance
Buddhist tradition holds that three events in the Buddha’s life fell on this full moon: his birth at Lumbini, his enlightenment under the Bodhi tree at Bodh Gaya, and his passing (Mahaparinirvana) at Kushinagar. In Hindu calendars the day is also Vaishakha Purnima, observed with a holy bath and charity, and some Hindu traditions regard the Buddha as an avatar of Vishnu.
How it is observed
- Prayers, meditation and sutta recitation at viharas; pilgrims gather at Bodh Gaya, Sarnath, Kushinagar and Lumbini.
- Lamps are lit, the Bodhi tree is honoured with water and flowers, and many keep the Eight Precepts for the day.
- Charity (dana): food, kheer and water are shared with visitors and those in need.
- Hindu households take a Purnima snan and donate grain, water pots or clothes.
Regional names
Buddha Jayanti, Vesak or Vesakha, Vaishakha Purnima, and Peepal Purnima in some North Indian homes.
Panchang for the day
Panchang for 1 May 2026 (New Delhi).
Buddha Purnima 2027
Buddha Purnima 2027 is listed on Thursday, 20 May 2027.
Related
All times are IST for New Delhi unless stated otherwise. Muhurat changes with your city’s sunrise, sunset and moonrise: check today’s Panchang for your location. Outside India the date can differ; use your local panchang. Sources: Drik Panchang (New Delhi), cross-checked with Free Panchang’s own calculation (Lahiri ayanamsa).
Frequently asked questions
- Buddha Purnima 2026 kab thi?
- Buddha Purnima 2026 was on Friday, 1 May 2026.
- What were the Purnima tithi timings on Buddha Purnima 2026?
- Purnima ran from 9:12 PM on 30 April to 10:52 PM on 1 May 2026 (New Delhi).
- What does Buddha Purnima commemorate?
- Buddhist tradition holds that the Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and Mahaparinirvana all fell on the Vaishakha full moon.