On May 23, Buddhists around the world will come together to celebrate Buddha Purnima, a sacred holiday commemorating the birth of Gautama Buddha. While the exact date of his birth is unknown, the festival is traditionally observed on the full moon day of the Vaisakha month. From Lumbini, Nepal to Sikkim, India, where Buddhist monuments and monasteries are abundant, this festival serves as an opportunity to spread the message of peace, compassion, and enlightenment.