Latest news with #LordBuddha
Hans India
a day ago
- Politics
- Hans India
Reaffirming cultural ties: Indian envoy inaugurates Ashoka pillar replica, Buddha relics at Sri Lanka temple
Colombo: Marking a significant moment in the shared heritage between India and Sri Lanka, a replica of King Ashoka's Vaishali Pillar of Dhamma and a special exposition of the sacred Kapilavastu Relics were inaugurated by Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha in the Raja Guru Sri Subuthi Maha Viharaya Temple in the island nation. Taking to X, the Indian High Commission called it the event a symbol of "deep historical, cultural and spiritual India-Sri Lanka ties." The event took place at Raja Guru Sri Subuthi Maha Viharaya, situated in Sri Lanka's coastal town Waskaduwa. This is a significant Buddhist temple, known for housing sacred relics of Lord Buddha and his two main disciples -- Sariputra and Maudgalyayana. Jha also joined Most Ven. Waskaduwawe Mahindawansa Mahanayake Thero, head of Amarapura Sambuddha Sasanodaya Maha Nikaya, and inaugurated a special exposition of the sacred Kapilavastu Relics in the temple. "High Commissioner also conveyed best wishes to Most Ven. Thero on his birthday, and offered prayers for his long life," Indian High Commission said in a post on X. Buddhism is one of the strongest pillars connecting the civilisations of India and Sri Lanka from the time when Ashoka sent his children Arhat Mahinda and Theri Sangamitta to spread the teachings of Lord Buddha at the request of King Devanampiya Tissa of Sri Lanka. Earlier in April, during his visit to Sri Lanka, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, visited the Jaya Shri Mahabodhi Temple in Anuradhapura to seek blessings. The temple holds immense spiritual and civilisational significance for India and Sri Lanka. The temple is home to a Bodhi tree believed to have been grown from a sapling brought from India by Theri Sanghamitta, daughter of Emperor Ashoka. Highlighting centuries-old spiritual ties between India and Sri Lanka, PM Modi, during the visit, announced that the Holy Relics of Lord Buddha found in 1960, in the Aravali region of Gujarat, are being sent to Sri Lanka for an exposition. Underlining the deep people-to-people connection and shared Buddhist heritage between India and Sri Lanka, the venerated relics of Lord Buddha from Kapilawasthu, discovered in 1970 in India, have been exhibited two times in Sri Lanka. The first time was in 1978 when they were brought to Sri Lanka and drew crowds of nearly 10 million people. In 2012, at the request of the then Sri Lankan President, Mahinda Rajapaksa, the relics once again travelled from India to Sri Lanka to commemorate the 2600th anniversary of the Enlightenment of the Buddha. The venerated relics from the Waskaduwe Vihara have also been exhibited in India in October 2015 to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Dr Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution, embracing Buddhism along with 500,00 followers, where over 8 million people came to see the relics and paid homage.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Time of India
Vaishali museum with relic casket of Lord Buddha to be inaugurated by month-end
Patna: Buddha Samyak Darshan Museum-cum-Memorial Stupa at Vaishaligarh in Vaishali district, showcasing a relic casket of Lord Buddha — considered "most authentic" — will be inaugurated in the last week of July, a state govt official said here on Sunday. "Buddhist monks from 15 countries — China, Japan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Nepal, Tibet, Myanmar, Malaysia, Bhutan, Vietnam, Cambodia, Mongolia, Laos, Bangladesh and Indonesia — will gather in Vaishali on the occasion," he said. Constructed at a cost of Rs 550.48 crore on 72 acres, this stupa complex is being developed near the sacred Pushkarini (pond) and mud 'stupa'. The main attraction of this monument will be a relic casket of Lord Buddha, discovered during excavations from 1958-62, which will be placed on the first floor of the museum. A statue of Lord Buddha crafted by artists from Odisha will be a distinctive feature. "The Memorial Stupa is entirely made of stone, with 42,373 sandstone pieces from Bansi Paharpur in Rajasthan interlinked using tongue and groove technique. It is built with modern earthquake-resistant technologies to ensure its safety for thousands of years. Surrounding the stupa are lily ponds, attractive sculptures and beautiful landscaping," the official said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo The complex also includes a meditation and visitor centre, library, museum block, amphitheatre, cafeteria, solar power plant (500 kilowatts), parking and other facilities. "This stupa will serve as a centre of reverence for Buddhist followers and place Vaishali prominently on the global tourism map. Along with promoting local employment, this monument will add a new chapter to the cultural and tourism development of Bihar," another official from building construction department said. Earlier on April 4, CM Nitish Kumar inspected the construction of the Buddha Samyak Darshan-cum-Memorial Stupa, and instructed the officials to ensure swift completion of the project. "Among all the relics of Lord Buddha found, the one discovered in Vaishali is the most authentic. Visitors will gain more insights into Lord Buddha's life. Pilgrims visiting Bodh Gaya and Rajgir will also visit Vaishaligarh. The museum will depict events from Buddha's life and aspects of Buddhism," Nitish had said on April 4 after inspecting the site.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Bank holidays next week: Banks to remain shut on July 26, 27, and 28, 2025 – Here's why
Bank holidays 2025: If you're planning any banking tasks next week, be aware that banks will be closed for three consecutive days — July 26, 27, and 28 — in several parts of India. These bank holidays are part of the RBI's official calendar and are based on national, regional, and religious observances. Here's a detailed look at the holidays next week and what services will remain available. Why are banks closed on July 26, 27, and 28? According to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the following closures will take place across the country and in specific states: July 26 (Saturday) – Banks will remain shut across India as it's the fourth Saturday of the month. July 27 (Sunday) – Sunday is a weekly off, all banks will be closed across the country. July 28 (Monday) – Banks in Sikkim will be shut on account of Drukpa Tshe-zi, a Buddhist festival that marks Lord Buddha's first sermon. These closures could affect your banking plans, so it's best to make important transactions in advance. What services will be available during bank holidays? Even though physical branches remain closed during bank holidays, most digital banking services continue without interruption. You can still: Use internet banking and mobile apps Make UPI payments and money transfers Withdraw cash through ATMs However, in rare cases, some digital services may be temporarily down due to technical maintenance. Always check for bank notifications beforehand. RBI's role in declaring bank holidays The RBI, in coordination with state governments, releases an official bank holiday calendar every year. These holidays are declared under the Negotiable Instruments Act, which governs instruments like cheques and promissory notes. Hence, transactions using these instruments cannot be processed on declared holidays. It's also important to note that bank holidays vary by state, depending on local festivals, regional events, and government observances. Bank Holidays in July 2025: Full state-wise list Here's a comprehensive list of bank holidays in July 2025, including both national and state-specific holidays: July 3 (Thursday) – Kharchi Puja – Banks closed in Agartala (Tripura) July 5 (Saturday) – Guru Hargobind's Birthday – Banks closed in Jammu and Srinagar July 6 (Sunday) – Banks closed nationwide July 12 (Saturday) – Second Saturday – Banks closed nationwide July 13 (Sunday) – Banks closed nationwide July 14 (Monday) – Beh Deinkhlam – Banks closed in Shillong (Meghalaya) July 16 (Wednesday) – Harela – Banks closed in Dehradun (Uttarakhand) July 17 (Thursday) – Death Anniversary of U Tirot Singh – Banks closed in Shillong July 19 (Saturday) – Ker Puja – Banks closed in Agartala July 26 (Saturday) – Fourth Saturday – Banks closed nationwide July 27 (Sunday) – Banks closed nationwide July 28 (Monday) – Drukpa Tshe-zi – Banks closed in Gangtok (Sikkim) Things to remember during long bank holidays Plan Ahead: If you need to visit a bank branch, make sure to complete your work before the weekend starts. Check State-Specific Holidays: Local holidays may not be observed across the country, so confirm with your nearest branch. Keep Cash Ready: Though ATMs usually work, having some emergency cash is always a smart idea during extended holidays. Use Digital Payments: UPI, mobile wallets, and card payments will work as usual in most cases. With a long weekend approaching due to bank holidays next week, it's wise to stay informed and prepared. Whether it's scheduling payments, depositing cheques, or withdrawing funds, a little planning can save you from last-minute issues. For the most accurate information, check with your local branch or visit the official RBI website to confirm your area's holiday list. For more informative articles on historical and upcoming events from around the world, please visit Indiatimes Events.
Time of India
13-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
Bamiyan-style 80ft tall Buddha statue at Thai temple in Sarnath damaged in lightning strike
1 2 3 4 Varanasi: Some parts of the top of an 80-foot-tall Bamiyan-style Buddha statue, installed on the Thai temple campus in Sarnath in memory of the statue destroyed by Taliban in Afghanistan in 2001, were damaged in a lightning strike in the early hours of Sunday. The temple said it would ensure repair of the damaged statue in a month. Thai temple caretaker Bhikkhu Mangliko said on Sunday that lightning struck the statue of Lord Buddha at the Thai Buddhist Temple in Sarnath, causing some damage. The broken part was preserved and the sculptors who were called in assured that it would be repaired within a month, he added. The district witnessed massive lightning on the intervening night of Saturday and Sunday. The region saw 67 mm of rainfall as recorded by the Indian Meteorological Department. Lightning struck the top part of the statue around 4:30 am and some parts of the statue fell to the ground. At the Thai Buddhist temple in Sarnath, built in 1933, the Buddha statue was sculpted in the style of the two giant Buddha statues in Afghanistan, carved on Bamiyan cliffs in the 1st century. Replica of the Bamiyan Buddha statue was constructed at the Thai temple between 2001 and 2011. The 80ft statue depicts Lord Buddha in a standing posture. Despite a lightning conductor installed behind it, the damages were caused.
News18
12-07-2025
- Business
- News18
Saturday Bank Holiday: Are Banks Open Or Closed On July 12? Details Here
Therefore, banks will remain closed on July 12 and July 26 as these are the second and fourth Saturdays of the month. Apart from this, banks will be closed on the remaining Sundays in the month. Bank Holidays In July 2025 According to the RBI's holiday calendar list, banks will remain closed in Meghalaya on July 14 on the occasion of Beh Deinkhlam. It is an important dance festival for the Jaintia tribes. A couple of days later, banks will be shut in Uttarakhand on July 16 to mark the festival of Harela. It marks the onset of monsoon and the planting of fresh crops. Banks will again remain closed in Meghalaya on July 17 to observe the death anniversary of U Tirot Singh, a local hero who fought against the British. On July 19, banks will be closed in Tripura on the occasion of Ker Puja. Sikkim will see bank closures on July 28 for the celebration of Drukpa Tshe-zi. This day commemorates Lord Buddha's first sermon at Sarnath, where he explained the Four Noble Truths to his first five disciples. Here's a breakdown of the bank holidays remaining in July 2025: July 14: Banks closed in Meghalaya due to Beh Deinkhlam. July 16: Banks closed in Uttarakhand due to Harela. July 17: Banks closed in Meghalaya to observe the death anniversary of U Tirot Singh. July 19: Bank closure in Tripura for Ker Puja. July 28: Banks closed in Sikkim for Drukpa Tshe-zi.
