Itanagar – Theravada Buddhist Society Celebrates Buddha Jayanti
Itanagar
By Chow Bilaseng Namchoom
The Buddhist community on Wednesday celebrated the Buddha Jayanti, the thrice blessed day symbolizing Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and salvation (Nirvana) across state with religious fervour and gaiety. Buddha Jayanti is considered as a quite important Buddhist festival since, on this specific day, Lord Buddha was born in Shakya clan of Lumbini, attained the great Nirvana in Bodhgaya under Bodhi Tree, and attained Parinirvana in Kushinagar (Death of Buddha).
At Itanagar The 2561st Buddha Jayanti was jointly celebrated paying immense respect to the epitome of peace and non-violence by Theravada Buddhist Society and Itanagar Buddhist Cultural Society under the banner of 2561st Buddha Jayanti Joint Celebration Committee (BJJCC). To mark the auspicious occasion, thousands of Buddhists congregated at Theravada Buddhist Vihara and Thuptan Ga-Tselling Monastery, Itanagar with great zeal and enthusiasm.
The main event of the day was the religious procession in which people in large number chanting “Buddham Sharnam Gachhami, Dhammam Sharnam Gachhami, Sanggham Sharnam Gachhami” as well as carrying holy scripts and sacred books along with the statue of Lord Buddha went from Theravada Buddhist Monastery to culminate at Thuptan Ga-Tselling Monastery where people in large number were present to grace the occasion.
The auspicious occasion was graced by Minister PHE & WS, PA, IPR and Printing Bamang Felix as Chief Guest, DC Itanagar Capital Complex Prince Dhawan as Guest of Honour and Speaker T.N.Thongduk as special guest and other distinguished guests were present to grace the occasion.
The historical event organized by Buddha Jayanti Joint Celebration Committee began with lighting of traditional lamp by chief guest and dignitaries.
Addressing the mammoth gathering, Felix said that teachings of the Buddha have been a way of life as Buddhism is based on peace, friendship, compassion and non-violence and it is taken as a peace religion.
He said that the celebrations are of great spiritual significance as an occasion for all of us to reflect on and draw inspiration from prominence of the Buddha on peace, harmony and tolerance.
Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Commissioner Dhawan spoke on the Dhamma, and said that the truth taught by the Buddha, can be uncovered gradually through sustained practice. He also said that there is Buddha in each one of us, what we need is to ignite it.
While, Speaker T.N.Thongduk stressed upon following the Buddha teaching and path to develop love, compassion and generosity which helps in maintaining a good communal harmony and unity in the region.
Earlier, Chairman BJJCC Y.D.Thongchi gave the key note address on Buddhism.
Headmonk of Theravada Buddhist Monastery, Venerable Ratnadeepa also spoke on the occasion highlighting the teachings of Buddha.
On this auspicious occasion BJJCC in collaboration with R.K.Mission Hospital and Health Department organized blood donation camp where many donors registered to donate blood during emergency need.
One act play on untouchability by the students of Nrityangan School enthralled the crowd. Offering of world peace prayer, Illuminations of lamps in monastery and community feast were the other attraction of the celebration.
