buddhist sites

Buddha Jayanti Today

Buddha Purnima 2026, commemorating Gautam Buddha's 2588th birth anniversary, is observed on May 1st. This significant Hindu festival marks the birth, enlightenment, and passing of Lord Buddha, believed to be Vishnu's ninth avatar. Devotees celebrate with grandeur, honoring his teachings and spiritual path.

Neelesh Kale's photography exhibition, "An Extraordinary Journey Through Ellora's Kailasa Temple and Caves," will take place from April 28 to May 3.

In a vibrant celebration of cultural exchange, twenty-two Asian social media influencers recently journeyed to the Mahabodhi Mahavihara in Gaya, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This group, hailing from various nations, immersed themselves in the serene atmosphere and stunning architecture of this historical landmark.

Bodh Gaya, a sacred Buddhist pilgrimage site, is set to welcome a new attraction: the Seven Wonders Park. This 40-acre park, slated for completion by May 2026, will feature replicas of global landmarks like the Taj Mahal and Great Wall of China. Authorities anticipate this will broaden appeal beyond religious tourism, encouraging longer stays and boosting Bihar's tourism sector.

A school in Hungary, inspired by B.R. Ambedkar, serves as a beacon for the Roma community, mirroring their struggles with oppression. Founded by a sociologist and Roma activist, the school translates Ambedkar's texts and teaches Roma history, fostering empowerment. Graduates are becoming local leaders, and girls' education is improving, reflecting Ambedkar's ideals.

Discover hidden heritage beyond Delhi, from Agra's quieter corners to Haryana's ancient sites, offering story-driven experiences and vital conservation efforts.

The Archaeological Survey of India has completed a three-year, Rs 20 lakh conservation project on Odisha's highest Buddha stupa, an 8th-century structure on Parabhadi hillock in Jajpur district. This significant Buddhist site, once a prominent complex, had suffered extensive damage. The ASI's intervention followed a halt to quarrying, and further development is urged to boost heritage tourism.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar inspected the initial phase of the Patna-Bettiah Expressway, a crucial 164-km greenfield project. The expressway aims to halve travel time to West Champaran to three hours, boosting economic development in North Bihar. The first section is slated for completion by April 2027, with the entire project expected by 2027-2028.

Starting April 6, a new train service from Patna will enhance rail connectivity to Rajgir, significantly boosting tourism. This initiative not only promises to bring more visitors to this historically rich site, a cornerstone of the international Buddhist circuit, but it also coincides with exciting new attractions like the Nature Safari and the stunning Glass Bridge.

India's rich civilisational legacy is beautifully showcased through its 44 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including architectural marvels like the Taj Mahal and ancient rock-cut caves. These sites, representing cultural, natural, and mixed heritage, continue to draw global travellers with their historical significance and artistic brilliance.

A 1,500-year-old T-shaped reservoir, a significant discovery by the ASI on Elephanta Island, reveals an engineered solution for water storage on the rocky terrain. This built structure, distinct from rock-cut architecture, highlights the island's historical water scarcity challenges.