Buddha Purnima celebrated at Bodh Gaya

Hundreds of Buddhists from across the world today celebrated Buddha Purnima.

Hundreds of Buddhists from across the world on Thursday celebrated Buddha Purnima, the day Lord Buddha was born, at Bodh Gaya in Bihar where he attained enlightenment.

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Bodh Gaya temple management committee organised a function to celebrate the 2,554th Buddha Jayanti at the Mahabodhi temple in Bodh Gaya, Buddhism's holiest shrine.

"Special prayers were organised under the Bodhi tree for world peace," a committee official said.

The celebration began with a procession from the 80-ft tall Buddha statue up to the Bodhi tree behind the temple.

"Hundreds of Buddhists, including members of the International Buddhist Council, took part in the procession," Bhikkhu Priyapal, a monk, told IANS.

The temple premises and adjoining locality were bedecked with colourful flags and other decorative items.

Buddha Purnima is the most sacred day for Buddhists as they take pilgrimage trips to the places associated with the founder of their faith - Lord Buddha.

Buddha Purnima falls on a full moon day.