12 May Monday On the occasion of Buddha Purnim, Buddhist monks gathered near the Sleeping Buddha statue on the banks of river Niranjana in Bodh Gaya, Bihar, and lit candles to pray for peace in India and around the world.Dozens of monks participated in the candlelight prayer held late in the evening to mark Lord Buddha's 2069th birth anniversary. The ceremony was led by Bhante Arya Pal, the Founder Secretary of the Buddha International Welfare Mission.

Speaking on the occasion, Bhante Aryapal said, "Today is Vaishakh Purnima. It is a very special day because Lord Buddha was born on this day. At the age of 25, he attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree, and later, at the age of 80, he passed away in Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh. All these important events happened on Vaishakh Purnima."
He added, "That is why this day holds great importance for all followers of Lord Buddha around the world; for people who know and respect Buddha truly honour him from the heart."

Buddha Purnima (also known as Vesak), which was celebrated on May 12 this year, marks Gautama Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and Mahaparinirvana (death).