Over 10k devotees to join Buddha Jayanti celebrations today

Gaya: The 2570th Buddha Jayanti celebrations commenced on Thursday with the offering of the first ‘prasad’ before the statue of Lord Buddha in the sanctum sanctorum of the Mahabodhi Mahavihara in Bodh Gaya, amid chanting of sutras by revered monks. Over 10,000 devotees from India and abroad are expected to participate in the celebrations. The ‘prasad’ offered on Thursday will be distributed among devotees on Friday morning.CM Samrat Choudhary, Union minister Jitan Ram Manjhi, and assembly Speaker Prem Kumar, along with the Consul General of Thailand in India, Siriporn Thanyathep, will attend the main function at the Mahavihara on Friday. Thousands of devotees have gathered in Bodh Gaya to observe the auspicious thrice-blessed full moon day, marking the birth, enlightenment, and mahaparinirvana of Buddha.The Bodhgaya Temple Management Committee (BTMC) has launched a series of public welfare services to support pilgrims arriving from across the country for this occasion. A three-day free bus service from Gaya railway station to Bodh Gaya was flagged off, along with the inauguration of a free medical camp and hydration and refreshment stations on Thursday morning. The initiatives were launched by BTMC member secretary Mahashweta Maharathi, Mahavihara chief priest Bhikkhu Chalinda, and other monks, along with committee members.Adequate facilities, including toilets, bathing areas, and kitchen sections, have been arranged for outstation devotees. A separate pandal has also been set up for the ‘sanghdana’ (meal offering) to monks, which will be organised by BTMC on Friday.Maharathi said, “This year’s Buddha Jayanti celebrations will witness strong international participation. Monks from Japan, who have specially travelled to Bodh Gaya, joined the inauguration ceremony along with local Japanese monks from the Indo-San Nipponji Temple. A large number of Thai devotees have also arrived for the celebrations. A devotee from Thailand, Boonsri Kunpalin, and family is funding this year’s events.”