Buddha Purnima, also known as Vesak, is a significant festival commemorating the birth of Lord Gautam Buddha. Observed on the first full moon of the Hindu calendar month Vaishakha, this year’s festival falls on May 23 (Thursday). Buddhists worldwide celebrate with great fervor, observing the day as a gazetted holiday. Accordingly, government offices, schools, post-offices, and banks will remain closed in most parts of India.