Bodh Mahotsav Festival Kicks Off in Gaya with Global Flair
The vibrant Bodh Mahotsav festival commences this Thursday evening in Gaya, promising a rich blend of international culture and spiritual celebration. Cultural troupes from Japan, Laos, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Myanmar, and Thailand will grace the main stage, alongside performances by popular Bollywood playback singers. This diverse lineup aims to highlight the global appeal of Bodh Gaya as a significant Buddhist pilgrimage site.
High-Profile Inauguration and Venue Details
Union MSME Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi will officially inaugurate the festival, joined by Bihar Assembly Speaker Prem Kumar and Deputy Chief Ministers Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha. The inauguration function takes place near the revered Vishnupad temple on Thursday evening. All main events will unfold at the Kalachakra ground, situated approximately 200 meters northwest of the UNESCO World Heritage site, Mahabodhi Mahavihara.
Spiritual Journey Precedes Main Events
A day before the grand opening, participants will embark on a Gyan Yatra, or journey to enlightenment, on the morning of January 21. This 9-kilometer walk starts at Dhungeshwari Hills and concludes at Sujata Stupa. The yatra will see participation from Buddhist monks and nuns, foreign tourists of both genders, local schoolchildren, tourism industry stakeholders, and residents of Bodh Gaya. This spiritual procession sets a contemplative tone for the festival.
Cultural Evenings Feature Star-Studded Performances
The main cultural programme launches on the evening of January 22. Attendees can enjoy performances by troupes from Vietnam and Thailand, with Bollywood playback singer Javed Ali adding musical glamour. The second cultural evening, scheduled for Friday, will showcase troupes from Sri Lanka and Laos, alongside the melodious voice of Roop Kumar Rathod. On January 24, singer Bhoomi Trivedi takes the stage, accompanied by cultural troupes from Thailand and Japan.
Additional Festival Attractions and Activities
Beyond the musical and dance performances, the Bodh Mahotsav offers a variety of engaging activities. An international seminar titled Awakening Humanity: The Timeless Relevance of the Buddha’s Enlightenment will provide intellectual depth. Other highlights include a Mahila Mahotsav celebrating women, the Bodh Gaya Haat showcasing local crafts, acrobatic dance displays, sand art exhibitions, painting competitions, and numerous food stalls offering local delicacies.
The festival not only promotes cultural exchange but also boosts tourism in the region, drawing visitors from across India and abroad. With its mix of spirituality, art, and entertainment, the Bodh Mahotsav stands as a key event in Bihar's cultural calendar.
