Buddha Purnima, also known as Vesak or Buddha Jayanti, is one of the most important Buddhist festivals. It commemorates three major events associated with Gautama Buddha in Buddhist tradition: his birth, enlightenment (Bodhi), and Mahaparinirvana. Devotees visit Buddhist temples and monasteries, meditate, listen to teachings and reflect on the Buddha's message of compassion, wisdom, peace and freedom from suffering. The festival is observed with special importance at places connected with the Buddha, including Bodh Gaya, Sarnath, Lumbini and Kushinagar.