More than one lakh devotees from across India and abroad assembled in Sarnath on Friday to participate in the Buddha Purnima ceremony, commemorating Lord Buddha's 2570th birth anniversary. The event featured prayers, spiritual discourses, and cultural activities, reinforcing Uttar Pradesh's growing prominence as a major global Buddhist tourism destination, according to an official spokesperson.
Joint Organisation and Devotee Participation
The celebrations were jointly organised by the International Buddhist Research Institute, Lucknow, the Mahabodhi Society of India, and the Indo-Sri Lanka Jambudweep Buddha Vihar. Devotees queued in large numbers at Mulagandha Kuti Vihar for darshan of Lord Buddha's sacred relics, making it one of Sarnath's largest annual spiritual congregations.
Competitions and Youth Engagement
The event also featured essay, painting, and drawing competitions themed 'Tathagata Buddha for World Peace', with participation from over 200 students from various schools. Winners were felicitated, and all participants received certificates. This initiative aimed to connect younger generations with Buddha's timeless spiritual legacy.
Spiritual Discourses and Meditation
Dhamma discourses, Vipassana meditation sessions, and public dialogues formed a major part of the celebrations. Speakers emphasised the enduring relevance of Buddha's teachings of peace, compassion, and coexistence in contemporary times.
Minister's Remarks on Buddha's Significance
Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh noted that Buddha Purnima commemorates Buddha's birth at Lumbini, enlightenment at Bodh Gaya, and Mahaparinirvana at Kushinagar. He stated that Buddha's teachings continue to guide humanity towards harmony and non-violence.
UP's Role in Buddhist Heritage Tourism
Officials said the scale of the celebrations reflects Uttar Pradesh's expanding role in promoting Buddhist heritage tourism, particularly through globally significant pilgrimage centres such as Sarnath and Kushinagar. The event also helped connect younger generations to Lord Buddha's spiritual legacy.
