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Gateway of India Shines Under Moonlight on Buddha Purnima Evening

Mumbai's Gateway of India captivated onlookers with moonlit visuals on Buddha Purnima evening. The festival commemorates Gautam Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and passing. PM Narendra Modi and the Dalai Lama offered greetings, emphasizing peace and compassion. Devotees often visit the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya on this auspicious day.

Key Points: Buddha Purnima 2024: Gateway of India Moonlit View

  • Gateway of India illuminated under moonlight on Buddha Purnima
  • Buddha Purnima marks birth, enlightenment, and passing of Gautam Buddha
  • UN-designated day since 1999
  • PM Modi and Dalai Lama extend greetings
2 min read

Mumbai's Gateway of India shines under moonlight on Buddha Purnima evening

Mumbai's Gateway of India dazzles under moonlight on Buddha Purnima. PM Modi, Dalai Lama extend greetings. Know the significance of the day.

"Heartfelt wishes to all fellow citizens on the auspicious occasion of Buddha Purnima. - PM Narendra Modi"

Mumbai, May 1

On the serene evening of Buddha Purnima, Mumbai's iconic Gateway of India transformed into a canvas, captivating onlookers with beautiful visuals of the night sky.

The historic monument, overlooking the tranquil Arabian Sea, was illuminated with the bright light of the moon, drawing locals and tourists alike.

Buddha Purnima marks the birth of Gautam Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. It is also known as Vesak.

Buddha, regarded as the ninth incarnation of Lord Vishnu, was born on Shukla Purnima of Baisakh month in the lunar calendar. There is a coincidence that the dates (lunar calendar) of the Buddha's birth, wisdom, and Mahaparinirvan (passing away fall on the same.

In 1999, it became an UN-designated day to acknowledge the contribution of Buddhism to society.

It is considered a 'triple-blessed day' as Tathagata Gautam Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and Maha Parnirvana.

Buddha Purnima falls on a full moon night, usually between April and May. Many devotees visit the Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located in Bodh Gaya, Bihar, on this occasion.

Bodhi Temple is the location where Lord Buddha is said to have attained enlightenment.

Greetings have been pouring in from people across various fields.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday wished on the occasion of Buddha Purnima, asserting that the occasion inspires us to walk on the path of peace, compassion, and goodwill.

In an 'X' post, the Prime Minister urged to reaffirm the resolve to embrace the life values of Lord Buddha. "Heartfelt wishes to all fellow citizens on the auspicious occasion of Buddha Purnima. On this sacred day that inspires us to walk the path of peace, compassion, and goodwill, let us reaffirm our resolve to embrace the life values of Lord Buddha," PM Modi said.

Tibetan Spiritual Leader Dalai Lama on Friday offered his greetings.

The Dalai Lama hoped that the teachings of the Lord would inspire people to create a peaceful world.

"On this auspicious occasion of Buddha Purnima -- Vesak -- which commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and parinirvana of Buddha Shakyamuni, I offer my heartfelt greetings and prayers to every member of our global Buddhist family," Dalai Lama said in his statement.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

A
Aditya G
Beautiful to see Mumbai's iconic Gateway of India glowing under moonlight. But I wish the article didn't mix Buddhism with Hinduism in that "ninth incarnation of Lord Vishnu" line—Buddhist teachings are their own path, not just a footnote in another religion. Let's respect the distinct traditions.
R
Ramesh W
Peaceful vibes in this article. We often forget how beautiful our own cities can be when we stop and look up. That full moon over the sea—I've seen it from Marine Drive, and it's breathtaking. May Buddha's teachings on compassion guide us all through these chaotic times 🙏
J
Joseph A
As someone from the US visiting India, I can't imagine a more perfect spot for reflection. Visited Gateway of India last week during daytime chaos, but nighttime with the moon? That's a whole new level. The way Indians blend modernity and ancient rituals is something we could learn from. Happy Buddha Purnima to all! 🌝
K
Kavya N
Heartwarming to see PM Modi and Dalai Lama both sending greetings. In a world full of divisions, Buddha's message of peace and goodwill is exactly what we need. But let's be real—how many of us actually visit Bodh Gaya? Perhaps we should make more effort beyond social media posts.
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Stephanie T
The "triple-blessed day" concept is fascinating—birth, enlightenment, and death all on the same date? That's some cosmic coincidence. I'd love to see photos of that moonlight scene. Maybe next Buddha Purnima I'll plan a trip to Mumbai instead of sitting at home!

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