Saka Dawa gets underway in Tibetan settlement
Berhampur: Tibetans settled in Gajapati district Tuesday started observing Saka Dawa that would end on
Buddha Purnima
on June 11. The five-colour Tibetan mantra flags flew at different places of their settlements, while around 200 lamas of different ages participated in special rituals.
The major ritual along with fasting would be observed on Buddha Purnima.
Buddha Purnima is considered very auspicious for Buddhists as Lord Buddha was born, received enlightenment and nirvana on that day, said Dorjee Lopon, the lama who leads the mass prayer in the monastery known as Padma Sambhav Mahavihara.
During the period, they introspect and take stock of the actions by minimising negative behaviour and focusing on positive thinking, said Khenpo Tenphell, a monk.
Besides the lamas, several other Tibetans joined the ritual and prayer that continued throughout the day.
The significance of this year's festival was the Tibetans have performed special rituals for world peace, added Tenzin Wangyal, another lama. The festival would culminate on the morning of June 12, he said.
Around 3,000 Tibetans are settled in five camps at Chandragiri, Jiranga, Takillipadar, Labarsingh and Mahendragarh.
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