Children stage a cultural programme on the occasion of Buddha Purnima. (Below) A monastery in Udayagiri. Telegraph pictures

Jajpur, May 17: Jajpur district, which houses several ancient Buddhist sites, today celebrated the birth anniversary of Lord Buddha amid a host of cultural and religious activities. This auspicious occasion marks three most important events in the life of Lord Buddha — his advent, enlightenment and nirvana about 2,500 years ago.

“Buddha Purnima is not just the birthday of the Lord Buddha. The occasion signifies his attainment of enlightenment, nirvana and his demise (arinirvana),” said Harish Chandra Prusty, noted historian and Buddhist researcher.

“This day held a special significance in the lives of the Buddhists. It was the day when people reflected on the teachings of Lord Buddha, one of the greatest teachers, the world had ever known,” he said.

Several devotees, Buddhist scholars, monks and academicians congregated in the famous Buddhist sites — Lalitgiri, Udayagiri, Ratnagiri, Kaima, Bajragiri and Langudu — early in the morning. They hoisted the Buddhist flag and sung hymns in praise of the Triple Gem— the Buddha, the Dharma and the Sangha.

Special prayers were offered seeking peace, progress and prosperity of the Buddhist community, its followers as well as the nation.

Moreover, prayers and chanting of hymns, quiz, essay, debate and song competitions among school students and cultural programmes by the local artistes were organised to mark the occasion.

“The essence of Buddha Purnima lies in spreading happiness among us. The day is also meant for creative pursuits rather than indulging in daily chores,” said Ekadasi Padhy, a historian.

The Udayagiri-Ratnagiri Unayana Parishad marked the occasion by hosting a special function on the premises of the Buddhist site at Udayagiri. The day was marked with prayer meets, sermons on the life of Lord Buddha, religious discourses, recitation of the Buddhist scriptures, group meditation and processions.

The organisers distributed souvenirs, magazines and brochures on Buddhism.

Puspagiri Parishad celebrated the holy occasion at the famous Buddhist site at Ratnagiri through day-long programmes, which included hoisting of Buddhist religious flag atop the site, recitation of sacred verses from the Tripitaka, the holy epic of Buddhism.

Similarly, the Gajaraj Sangrahalaya (museum) marked the occasion by hosting a special function on the premises of the Buddhist site at Kaima in Dharmasala.

Buddha Purnima was also celebrated at the Buddhist sites at Bajragiri, Langudi and Radha Nagar in the district.