Buddha Purnima on 09 May 2009, celebrated across country

Buddha Purnima is being celebrated on 09 May 2009 across the country with religious fervour. Several programmes are being organised at Buddha Gaya, the place where Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment. A number of programmes are planned at Sarnath, the first preaching place of the Buddha.
The President,Vice President and the Prime Minister have greeted the people on budh purnima. In her message, the President said that the teachings of Gautam Buddha on compassion, non-violence and equality serve as a guide for humanity in its path towards spiritual emancipation and peace. In his message Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has said that Lord Buddha's philosophy of 'ahimsa', love, compassion and brotherhood are of eternal significance.