Series of religious rituals mark Buddha Purnima in Varanasi
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Varanasi:
Buddha Purnima
was celebrated with a series of religious events organised in the city on Monday.
Sarnath
, the place where Buddha preached his first sermons, witnessed a series of programmes while several devotees thronged the ghats of the Ganga for holy dip since early morning hours on Monday.
After the holy bath, they performed many
religious rituals
at the ghat and visited temples to offer prayers.This auspicious occasion is observed on the full moon night of the Vaisakha month to celebrate the birth of
Gautam Buddha
. the day holds significance as on this day he also attained enlightenment, and nirvana. Buddhists visited the Mulagandha Kuty Vihar in Sarnath to offer prayers. A day-long celebration, including special prayers, yatras, and other events, was held in the city.
Students from various schools carried out a 'dhamm chetana yatra' in Sarnath in the morning. Later, in the evening, Dhamek Stupa was beautifully illuminated.
The religious activities, such as the administration of Ashtangsheel and offerings to Buddha, were organised by the Maha Bodhi Society of India at Mulagandha Kuty Vihara. In the evening, the Mulagandha Kuty Vihara and Bodhi Tree Complex were illuminated with lamps.Meanwhile, a special prayer was organised at Mulagandha Kuty Vihar on the eve of Vaishakh Purnima on Sunday. Led by Bhikkhu Silavansa and Bhikkhu Chandima, Buddhist monks recited the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta for world peace in front of the statue of Lord Buddha. After the prayers, the monks lit lamps at the temple entrance. The entire temple premises were adorned with colourful lights and flags.
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