President Mukherjee extends greetings on eve of Buddha Purnima

President Pranab Mukherjee on Sunday extended his greeting on the eve of Buddha Purnima.

"On the joyous occasion of Buddha Purnima, I extend my greetings and good wishes to all fellow citizens as well as Buddhists across the world. May Lord Buddha's teachings of universal brotherhood, love, compassion and non-violence inspire the people of our nation and the entire world to make steady progress on the path of 'Shanti', 'Ahimsa' and 'Maitri'," said President Mukherjee.

Buddha's birthday, or Vesak Day (or Wesak), is celebrated on various dates in spring throughout the world, and each Buddhist culture has its own traditions for the day. It is usually observed during thefirst full moon in May.

Buddhists celebrate the Buddha's three most important life stages on Vesak: Birth, Enlightenment and Death, which traditionally are said to have happened on the same day.

Buddha was born in Lumbini, Nepal, while his mother stood holding onto a tree. Once born, it was said he took seven steps forward after which a lotus flower arose from each footstep. After which, it was said that it was his last rebirth and that he would become an enlightened one.