Patna, May 4 (IANS): Thousands of Buddhists from across the world, including the monks, on Monday morning celebrated Buddha Purnima at Bodh Gaya in Bihar, where Lord Budhdha attained enlightenment.

Bodh Gaya temple management committee organised a function amid tight security to celebrate the 2,559th Buddha Jayanti at the Mahabodhi temple (a Buddhist temple).

According to district police officials, hundreds of people lined up outside Mahabodhi temple for hours to offer their prayers. The 1,500-year-old Mahabodhi temple is considered a life-time destination for millions of Buddhists across the world.

The temple premises and adjoining locality were bedecked with colourful buntings and other decorative items.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is likely to visit the temple to join the celebrations.

"Special prayers were organised under the Bodhi tree for world peace and also for those killed in the devastating earthquake on April 25 in Nepal and Bihar," a committee official said.

The celebration began with a procession from the 80-foot tall Buddha statue up to the Bodhi tree behind the temple.

"Hundreds of Buddhists, including members of the International Buddhist Council, took part in the procession," a monk at the temple said.

Buddha Purnima is the most sacred day for Buddhists as they make pilgrimage to the places associated with the founder of Buddhism -- Lord Buddha.