Buddha Purnima is being observed across the country today. The President, Vice President and the Prime Minister have greeted the people on the occasion. In a message, President Pratibha Devisingh Patil said that Lord Buddha gave the world the message of truth, compassion and humanity. The Vice President Hamid Ansari said that Lord Buddha’s teachings showed to people the eternal path of ahimsa, right conduct and universal love. In his message, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said the teachings of Lord Buddha of ahimsa, compassion and universal brotherhood are very relevant in today’s world.

In Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir, Buddha Purnima is being celebrated with religious fervour. Elaborate functions, including traditional etching of Lord Buddha, are being organised to mark the occasion.