Processions, prayers mark Buddha Jayanti in Bodh Gaya

Gaya: Extending Buddha Jayanti celebrations beyond the Mahabodhi Mahavihara, monks, devotees and members of the Bodh Gaya Temple Management Committee (BTMC) on Saturday visited hospitals in Gaya, distributing ‘prasad’ among newborns, mothers and patients.“The BTMC team reached Prabhavati Hospital, Jai Prakash Narayan hospital and the Anugrah Narayan Magadh Medical College and Hospital. The gesture brought smiles to hospital wards and added a human touch to the spiritual celebrations in the holy town,” a press release stated.The celebrations began on Thursday evening at the Mahavihara with the offering of the first ‘prasad’ before the statue of Buddha. It was later distributed among devotees on Friday and at hospitals on Saturday.Thousands of devotees from around 40 countries gathered on Friday for the 2570th Buddha Purnima celebrations. Organised by the BTMC, the event reflected the global appeal of Lord Buddha’s message of compassion and harmony.“The celebrations on Friday began early in the morning with the lighting of ceremonial lamps, followed by a peace procession that started from the 80-foot Buddha statue and concluded under the sacred Bodhi tree within the Mahavihara premises. Monks, nuns, lamas, schoolchildren and devotees participated in the procession, creating an atmosphere of spiritual fervour and cultural unity.”“The main programme commenced at 9am under the Bodhi tree in the presence of chief guest union MSME minister Jitan Ram Manjhi and the guest of honour Bihar assembly speaker Prem Kumar.”In the evening, the Mahavihara was illuminated with 2,570 butter lamps, symbolising peace and enlightenment.