Buddha Festival 2013 on Deekshabhoomi Nagpur

Buddhism is one of the most evolved religions in the world and also one of the oldest. It has second highest followings across the world after Christianity. Most of the predominantly Buddhist countries are economically developed and peaceful nations. In India, the religion-in its rebirth in 1956-is just over 55 years old.

बुद्धा  फेस्टिवल

However, since Buddhism is not based on rituals, the younger generation is loosing touch with it. Every year at the time of Vijaya Dashmi at least half-a-million Buddhists – and followers of Dr Ambedkar – congregate at Diksha Bhoomi to commemorate their induction into Buddhism on that day in 1956. However, because of the sheer size of the gathering, it is impossible co carry out any socio-cultural activity on that occasion. Hence the idea of the ‘Buddha Festival’ took shape. 

The first ‘Buddha Festival’ was held in January 2011 in Nagpur on a very grand scale. Henceforth it is planned to be an annual affair and will be conducted in the month of January every year. In time to come the festival is expected to assume a place of importance in the global calendar of Buddhist events.

The festival has – and will continue to – showcase the art, culture and philosophy of Buddhism. Buddhism in the ancient times has given very rich heritage to India. The system of Universities as temples of education evolved from Buddhist universities such as Nalanda, Takshashila, Vikramshila, Amravati, etc.