Shimla/Kushinagar/New Delhi, May 16 (ANI): Devotees thronged monasteries and shrines across India on May 14, to participate in prayer rituals, religious processions and dance performances to commemorate the birth of Lord Buddha. Buddha's birth anniversary, or Vesak Day, is celebrated on various dates in the Spring season throughout the world. It is usually observed during the first full moon in May. Participating in the festivities in the northern hill town of Shimla, devotees gathered early in the morning at the monastery to offer their prayers after which they were treated to Traditional Tibetan and tribal Himachali dances. Hundreds of Tibetan monks, Indian Buddhists, Muslims, Hindus, Christians and devotees from various other religions gathered to participate.In northern Kushinagar, members of the Buddhist community organised a religious procession with enchanting decorated idols of Lord Buddha being carried on vehicles and chariots amid enthusiastic supporters.Meanwhile in the national capital too, devotees gathered in huge numbers to offer prayers and monks propagated the message of peace and harmony. Across India, the Buddhists shrines echoed with religious hymns sung by devotees and the fragrance of the burning incense wafted far to create an aura of serenity and solemnity