Buddha Purnima commemorates the Buddha and events associated with his life — birth, enlightenment and passing.
For travelers interested in Buddhist India, two locations have exceptional importance.
Bodh Gaya and Sarnath
Bodh Gaya (Bihar) is associated with the Buddha's enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree. The Mahabodhi Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Sarnath (near Varanasi) is associated with the Buddha's first sermon — the setting in motion of the Dharma Wheel.
India's Buddhist festivals connect the country to a religious tradition that began on the subcontinent and eventually influenced civilizations across Asia — Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Tibet, China, Japan, Korea and beyond.
Modern Indian Buddhism
Ambedkarite Buddhism — initiated by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar in 1956 — remains an important modern Indian Buddhist movement, particularly in Maharashtra and parts of central India.
Ladakh, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh and parts of Himachal Pradesh have deep Tibetan Buddhist traditions with monasteries and Buddha Purnima celebrations.