Latest news with #VaishakhaBuddhaPurnima
India Gazette
12-05-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
Union Ministers Kiren Rijiju, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat attend Buddha Purnima celebrations at National Museum
New Delhi [India], May 12 (ANI): Union Ministers Kiren Rijiju and Gajendra Singh Shekawat on Monday paid their obeisance to the holy relics of Lord Buddha at the National Museum during the celebrations of Vaishakha Buddha Purnima. The Vaishakha Buddha Purnima today was marked by a sombre ceremony on the quiet and tranquil surroundings of the National Museum where the holy relics of the Buddha are kept. Minister of Culture, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat along with by Union Minister of Parliamentary and Minority Affairs, Kiren Rijiju joined a group of Theravada and Mahayana monks to pay their obeisance to the holy relics, reads an official press release. While the Theravada monks represented the Cambodian Buddhist Temple in New Delhi, the Mahayana monks belonged to the Himalayan Buddhist Cultural Association under the leadership of Lama Chosphel Zotpa. Amidst chanting in both traditions, the two ministers placed flower petals before the holy relics and Khatags while praying. Following the ceremony, the ministers also took a round of the Buddha Gallery of the National Museum which houses, among other artefacts, the seated Bodhisattva from 2nd Century CE, the standing Buddha from the 5th Century CE from Sarnath and the Buddha in meditation pose from the 3rd Century CE from Kushan Dyanasty. Later, Kiren Rijiju, while speaking to the media, mentioned that India, as the birthplace of the Buddha's teachings, takes immense pride in sharing his message of peace, compassion, and harmony with the world. As nations unite in celebration, this occasion is of the universal significance of Buddhist philosophy, guiding humanity toward truth and inner peace. At this critical juncture of various socio-political conflicts, the teachings of the Buddha are more relevant than ever, offering solutions to global challenges through principles of non-violence, understanding, and mindfulness, he added. Union Minister Rijiju reiterated the words of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who, in his address at the United Nations, emphasised that the path to truth and lasting peace lies in following the teachings of the Buddha. The essence of Buddha Dhamma continues to be embraced and shared, ensuring that its wisdom reaches every corner of the world, fostering a future grounded in compassion, unity, and peace. With this thought, he extended his heartfelt wishes to all. Buddha Purnima marks the birth of Gautam Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. It is also known as Vesak. In 1999, it became an UN-designated day to acknowledge the contribution of Buddhism to society. It is considered a 'triple-blessed day' - as Tathagata Gautam Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and Maha Parinirvana. Buddha Purnima falls on a full moon night, usually between April and May. Many devotees visit the Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located in Bodh Gaya, Bihar, on this occasion. Bodhi Temple is the location where Lord Buddha is said to have attained enlightenment. (ANI)
Time of India
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Patriotism should rise above religion: Mallikarjun Kharge
Kalaburagi: In these challenging times, we face a choice between conflict and Buddha's teachings of peace. The AICC president and Rajya Sabha opposition leader Mallikarjun Kharge emphasised that when national security and dignity are at risk, patriotism should rise above religious and caste at the 2,569th Vaishakha Buddha Purnima celebration at Buddha Vihara in Kalaburagi city on Monday, Kharge acknowledged the necessity for peace while recognising that defending the nation sometimes requires military action. He praised Indian Armed Forces for their successful operations against Pakistan, while honouring the brave soldiers and officers who sacrificed their highlighted that India's armed forces remain undefeated despite numerous attacks on the nation. Their recent response to Pakistani aggression demonstrated their unwavering patriotism. With the conflict concluded, Kharge assured citizens to remain courageous and disregard provocative statements from certain stressed the importance of national unity when sovereignty and dignity are challenged. He called for embracing Buddha's philosophy and pursuing peaceful coexistence. While Buddha Purnima celebrations are held nationwide and his statues are installed, Kharge expressed concern about the limited acceptance of Buddhist principles and teachings in practice.
