IBC along with Himalayan Buddhist Culture Association (HBCA) celebrates the auspicious day of Vesak Purnima

Newdelhi:5/5/23:IBC celebrated the auspicious day of Vesak Purnima with reverence and piety today. International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) in coordination with the Himalayan Buddhist Culture Association (HBCA) celebrated the event at the National Museum, New Delhi.

The Buddha’s message of peace, non-violence and the path of truth is as relevant today as it was more than 2500 years ago, said Ms. Meenakashi Lekhi, Minister of State for Culture and External Affairs, emphasizing, “we not only need to recall but also carry it forward as has been done for centuries.”

Speaking on the auspicious day of Vesak Buddha Purnima, at the National Museum where the Holy Buddha Relics are enshrined, Ms. Lekhi called upon the congregations to move from ideas to action. Quoting from the ancient text, the words of Buddha, she said all our thought and ideas are like fragrance, this should reach all and  we need to translate them into action.

The Minister added that during the reign of Samrat Ashok, several monks spread out in several countries taking the Buddha’s teaching. “in this respect, we are all connected through blood, thought and culture. The message remains common: be kind in thought and deed, and follow the right action in everyone’s life., she added.

The celebrations to commemorate the Triple Blessed Day of Shakyamuni Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and Mahaparinirvana were organised by the Ministry of Culture along with International Buddhist Confederation and the Himalayan Buddhist Cultural Association. The event was marked by reverence and piety. Prayers for National Unity, Harmony and World Peace were held before the Holy Buddha Relics placed at the National Museum.

Vaishakh Buddha Purnima is the most sacred day of the year for Buddhists all over the world as it marks the three main events of Lord Buddha’s life – Birth, Enlightenment, and Mahaparinirvana. The day assumes special significance since Buddhism originated in India. Since 1999 it has also been recognized by the United Nations as the ‘UN Day of Vesak’. This year the Vaishakh Buddha Purnima is being celebrated on 5th May.