Buddha Purnima: BTMC begins preparations for celebrations

Gaya: The Bodh Gaya Temple Management Committee (BTMC) has begun preparations for Buddha Purnima, scheduled to be celebrated on May 1 this year.At a meeting held on Tuesday, officials reviewed arrangements for the annual festivities, which attract a large number of devotees and tourists from across the globe. Preparations for the publication of the bilingual annual magazine Prajna, to be released on the occasion, were also discussed.Devotees visiting the Mahabodhi Mahavihara will witness the shrine in a refreshed appearance this year. The outer walls of the temple have recently undergone hydro-cleaning by a volunteer group from Thailand, giving the structure a renewed look ahead of the celebrations.District magistrate-cum-BTMC chairman Shashank Shubhankar stressed the need to implement suggestions and recommendations made during the Bodh Gaya Temple Advisory Board meeting held in February. He directed officials to focus on improving overall management and enhancing visitors’ experience.Routine matters related to temple maintenance and upkeep were also taken up during the meeting attended by BTMC member secretary Mahashweta Maharathi, members Arvind Singh, Kiran Lama and others.