BHUBANESWAR: Mahabodhi Society of India’s Odisha Branch celebrated 2563th Buddha Jayanti with much enthusiasm and fervour here Saturday.
The event was inaugurated by Governor Ganeshi Lal, who in his speech, said, “In the human society, compassion, patience and love are rare to find. In today’s violent scenario, it’s the peace message of Lord Buddha that matters the most. Although Lord Buddha was born in India, Buddhism needs to re-emerge as a religion to emphasise the need to respect fellow human beings.”
Chief speaker of the event Archana Nayak stressed on the need to adopt Buddhism as the only way to attain peace and brotherhood. In the function, eminent guests like Mahabodhi society’s central vice-president Abasara Beura, Central member Namrata Chhadha, Jagat Bandhu Jena and many others were present.
During the event, new saplings were planted to overcome the devastation of Fani cyclone. People in large numbers attended the event and many lighted the candle in front of Lord Buddha’s idols.
On similar lines, a group of monks from Nepal visited Dhauli Buddhist Monastery and chanted prayers for world peace and unity.
Monk Tilismi Tonk said, “This day holds special significance for followers of Buddhism as it is the day of Lord Buddha’s birth as well his attainment of ‘Bodhisatwa’. Buddha Purnima is known as Satyavrat Purnima in Hinduism. It may be noted that Odisha is a major site for Buddhism from centuries.”
