Friday, May 1, 2026
Buddha Purnima 2026 falls on Friday, May 1, 2026 in Colombo. It is Vaishakha Purnima in the Hindu lunar calendar. Sunrise is 5:57 AM and sunset 6:17 PM.
Same day as India
Also known as: Vesak · Buddha Jayanti · Wesak
The tradition names no separate muhurat for this festival — it is observed through the day. Abhijit is the day’s generally auspicious window and Rahu Kaal the one to avoid.
Buddha Purnima falls on the full moon of Vaishakha, the day tradition assigns to the Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and death alike. Observed as Vesak across Buddhist Asia, it is the most significant day in the Buddhist calendar.
Temples are lit and circumambulated, the Sutras are recited, and the day is kept with vegetarian food, almsgiving and the release of caged birds.
Buddha Purnima 2026 in Colombo is on Friday, May 1, 2026. It falls on Vaishakha Purnima.
Yes. Buddha Purnima falls on May 1, 2026 in both Colombo and India this year, though the puja timings differ because sunrise and moonrise are local.
Buddha Purnima is also known as Vesak, Buddha Jayanti, Wesak. These are regional names and spellings for the same festival.