CURRENT AFFAIRS

Detailed explanation-1: -Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate UN Vesak Day in Colombo on May 12, Sri Lanka’s Minister for Justice and Buddhasasana Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe said here on Wednesday. Mr Modi will also hold meetings with the Sri Lankan leadership.

Detailed explanation-2: -UN Secretary-General António Guterres "Vesak", the Day of the Full Moon in the month of May, is the most sacred day to millions of Buddhists around the world. It was on the Day of Vesak two and a half millennia ago, in the year 623 B.C., that the Buddha was born.

Detailed explanation-3: -Vesak, also known as Buddha Jayanti, Buddha Purnima, and Buddha Day, is a holiday observed by Buddhists and some Hindus. It commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Siddhartha Gautama, who is commonly known as Buddha. All these important events are said to have happened on the same day throughout his life.

Detailed explanation-4: -The date for the first Vesak Day celebration was gazetted as 23 May 1956 after consultation with the Singapore Buddhist Association.

Detailed explanation-5: -Vesak is one of the most important Buddhist festivals. It is also known as Wesak or Buddha Day. It is a celebration of Buddha’s birthday and, for some Buddhists, marks his enlightenment (when he discovered life’s meaning). It is also a time to reflect on his teachings and what it means to be Buddhist.