Myanmar President Gen Min Aung Hlaing arrived at Gaya International Airport on Saturday for a five-day visit to India. He was accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising cabinet ministers, senior government officials, and business leaders from Myanmar. The President was received at the airport by Bihar Governor Syed Ata Hasnain and State Agriculture Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha.
Traditional Welcome at Mahabodhi Mahavihara
Gen Hlaing arrived at the Mahabodhi Mahavihara around 10 am, where he was accorded a traditional welcome by Buddhist monks. The caretaker monk of the Mahavihara, Bhikkhu Dinanand, along with Bhikkhu Manoj, welcomed the President and members of the delegation by presenting 'khadas', a pious scarf in Buddhism symbolizing respect and good wishes.
Rituals and Prayers
The President performed rituals and offered prayers in the sanctum sanctorum of the Mahavihara. He offered rice pudding, known as kheer, and a civara (robe) to the statue of Buddha as a mark of reverence. He then visited the first floor of the shrine and offered prayers before the statue of Lord Buddha. Gen Hlaing also meditated for some time under the Bodhi tree, a sacred peepal tree, before undertaking a circumambulation of the shrine structure. The Mahavihara authorities briefed him about the history, religious significance, and heritage of the holy shrine.
Visit to Sujata Temple and Burmese Vihar
After visiting the Mahavihara, the President visited the Sujata Temple at Bakraur village, located around 2 km east of the Mahavihara, and the Burmese Vihar in Bodh Gaya. Security personnel were deployed along the route connecting Gaya airport, the Mahavihara, and the Sujata Temple to ensure safety during the high-profile visit.
Upcoming Engagements
According to a press release issued by the Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday, the Myanmar President will hold discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday to further strengthen the historic and civilisational ties between the two countries. He will also participate in business and industry interactions and site visits in Mumbai on Tuesday.
Security Measures
In view of the high-profile visit, District Magistrate Shashank Shubhankar and Senior Superintendent of Police Sushil Kumar issued a joint order declaring the areas around Gaya airport, Domuhan, Mahabodhi Mahavihara, and Sujata Temple as a 'temporary red zone' and 'no drone fly zone'. Traffic restrictions were also imposed on the route from the airport up to the Mahavihara to ensure smooth movement of the presidential convoy.
