Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU/ LEH, May 21: Buddha Purnima was celebrated across the State with religious fervour and gaiety today. The main function was held at Leh in Ladakh region.
To mark the auspicious occasion of 2560th Buddha Purnima celebration, thousands of Buddhists congregated at historical Pologround with great zeal and enthusiasm today. The main event of the day was the religious procession known as “Bhumskor” in which people in large number carrying sacred books went around Leh town along with the 12 Jhankis (palanquin) procession depicting the 12 great enlightening deeds of Buddha.
This was followed by participation of thousands of school children which commenced from Chowkhang Vihara via Namgyal Tsemo to culminate at Polo ground where people in large number were present to grace the occasion. The historical event organized by Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA) began with lighting of traditional lamp “Chotmey” by chief guest and dignitaries followed by hoisting of “Tarchen” (Buddhist Prayer flags) amidst chanting “Kay Kay So So Largyalo” which means truth shall prevail that echoed through the silent Valley of Ladakh by the enthusiastic congregation with monks of different monasteries presenting Se-Tang and Lharna reception by the musician.
His eminence Drukpa Thuksey Rinpochey was the chief guest on the occasion besides other guest includes the MP Thupstan Chhewang, LAHDC CEC Dr.Sonam Dawa, Executive Councilors for Agriculture Tsering Wangdus, Councilors, Tibetan community CRO, SSP Tsering Gyalpo, Commanding Officer Ladakh Scouts, ITBP, Air Force, Political heads, religious heads, district officers and other distinguished guests were present to grace the occasion.
Addressing the gathering Drukpa Thuksey Rinpochey stressed upon following the Buddha teaching and path to develop love, compassion and generosity which helps in maintaining a good communal harmony and unity in the region. He added that Ladakh has made enough physical development and progress in the recent past but at the same time it is equally important to develop the mental attitude of every individual to have a harmonious region.
Earlier, LBA President Tsewang Thinles presenting the welcome speech greeted the people on the occasion said that “we are blessed and fortunate to born in the region having unique culture and tradition which we inherited from our ancestors and responsibilities lie on every individual to transfer the same to younger generation.
Scholar Thupstan Paldan also spoke on the occasion highlighting the teachings of Buddha.
In the evening all the monasteries as well as other religious places and residential buildings are illuminated to present a beautiful sight across Ladakh.
On this auspicious occasion LBA in collaboration with Health Department organized blood donation camp where nearly 200 donors registered to donate blood during emergency need. On the occasion Hemis Mela Naro Gyantuk Disc with devotional song also released today.
Presenting vote of thanks LBA Youth president Rinchen Namgyal expressed his gratitude to monks, LBA members, district administration, various Tsogspas and volunteers, school children, volunteers etc.
Buddha Purnima was also celebrated at Buddha Vihar Kathua with great fervour and gaiety where a large number of people from different walks of life participated. The 2578 th birth anniversary celebration was organized by Lord Buddha Club of India and All India Confederation of SC/ST/OBC Organization Unit Kathua jointly.
Various social and cultural events were performed on this special day. Participants offered holy prayers and chanted “Buddham Sharnam Gachhami, Buddham Sharnam Gachhami”.
The participants worshipped by offering flowers to the portrait of Buddha. R K Kalsotra president of the confederation was the chief guest on the occasion. He asked people to follow the teachings of Lord Buddha.
Others who spoke include Roshan Choudhary, State president Lord Buddha Club, Dev Soni District Coordinator Confederation etc.
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