4th Mekong-Ganga Dhamma Yatra to begin in New Delhi for promoting peace and cultural ties
4th Mekong-Ganga Dhamma Yatra: A Journey of Peace and Unity
The 4th Mekong-Ganga Dhamma Yatra, a significant pilgrimage connecting India and Southeast Asia, is set to begin on December 6 with a briefing at The Chaupal, Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts (IGNCA) in New Delhi. This event is part of the ongoing "Century of Dhamma" celebrations.
Key Figures and Guests
The Thai Ambassador to India, Pattarat Hongtong, will be the Chief Guest. Other notable attendees include Sachidanand Joshi, Member Secretary of IGNCA, and Abhijit Halder, Director General of the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC).
Theme and Purpose
This year's pilgrimage follows the theme 'From the Mekong River Basin to the Great Ganga', highlighting the cultural and spiritual ties between Southeast Asia and India. The journey, from December 2 to December 10, covers key Buddhist sites such as Patna, Bodh Gaya, New Delhi, and Gujarat. It aims to promote peace, environmental awareness, and conflict avoidance through Buddha's teachings.
Commemorations and Vision
The Yatra commemorates the 97th birth anniversary of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand and celebrates the vision of the 'Asian Century with Dhamma Principles' as envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2015. It seeks to unite countries through shared Dhamma values, transcending geopolitical, religious, and cultural differences.
Declaration and Collaborations
The Declaration on Dhamma Century will be presented on December 5, 2024, outlining a vision for peace and prosperity grounded in Dhamma principles. This initiative is a collaboration between Indian and Thai organizations, including the Vivekananda International Foundation, the International Center for Cultural Studies, and the Royal Thai Embassy.
India-Thailand Relations
India's relations with Thailand are rooted in history, with strong social and cultural interactions. The shared link of Buddhism is evident in regular pilgrimages by Thai people to Buddhist sites in India.
Doubts Revealed
Mekong-Ganga
The Mekong-Ganga is a connection between two important rivers, the Mekong in Southeast Asia and the Ganga in India. It symbolizes the cultural and historical ties between these regions.
Dhamma Yatra
Dhamma Yatra is a spiritual journey or pilgrimage. It is meant to spread messages of peace and unity through the teachings of Buddha.
IGNCA
IGNCA stands for Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts. It is a place in New Delhi, India, where cultural events and activities are held.
Thai Ambassador
The Thai Ambassador is a representative from Thailand who works in India to maintain good relations between the two countries. In this event, Pattarat Hongtong is the Chief Guest.
King Bhumibol Adulyadej
King Bhumibol Adulyadej was a beloved king of Thailand. His birth anniversary is celebrated to honor his contributions to the country.
Asian Century
The 'Asian Century' is a term used to describe the 21st century as a time when Asian countries, like India and China, are expected to become very important in the world. PM Modi's vision includes using Dhamma principles, which are teachings of Buddha, to guide this growth.
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