Tight security as CM to attend Buddha Purnima celebrations

Gaya: CM Samrat Choudhary will attend the 2,570th Buddha Purnima celebrations in Bodh Gaya on Friday. The main event will be held at the Unesco world heritage site Mahabodhi Mahavihara.Around 10,000 devotees and tourists from India and abroad are expected to participate. DM-cum-Bodh Gaya Temple Management Committee (BTMC) chairman Shashank Shubhankar has reviewed preparations through a series of meetings.Buddha Jayanti marks the thrice-blessed day commemorating the birth, enlightenment and Mahaparinirvana of Lord Buddha. The occasion is observed with deep reverence at monasteries, temples and shrines worldwide.BTMC secretary Mahashweta Maharathi said, “To facilitate the daylong celebrations, BTMC has made extensive arrangements for pilgrims. Peace marches are being organised besides, medical camp and stalls providing water, juice, and traditional refreshments have been set up near the Mahavihara”.“Large German tents equipped with fans and coolers are being erected to accommodate pilgrims. Devotees have already begun arriving at the Kalachakra ground (around 200 metres north-west of the Mahavihara), particularly from Maharashtra. Adequate facilities, including toilets, bathing areas, and kitchen sections, are being arranged for them”.Security has been tightened ahead of the CM’s visit. Gaya Sadar sub-divisional magistrate Anil Kumar Raman said, “Elaborate preparations are underway for the CM’s visit to maintain law and order across the district with special focus on Gaya and Bodh Gaya. A helipad is being constructed at Gandhi Maidan for the CM’s visit”.He added that only pre-scheduled traditional programmes linked to Buddha Jayanti would be permitted. “No new organisation, rally or event has been allowed at Gandhi Maidan in Gaya town,” he said.Gaya town deputy SP Saroj Kumar Sah said organisers had been informed that only approved programmes would be allowed. “Any attempt to hold a rally or show of strength despite the restrictions will be treated as a violation of official orders,” he said.“More than 1,500 police personnel are being deployed across the district with special focus on Gaya and Bodh Gaya,” a senior official said.