India Celebrates Ashadha Purnima in Nepal
The Embassy of India in Kathmandu marked the special occasion of Ashadha Purnima with a significant event attended by representatives from various Buddhist sects and monasteries across Nepal. Ashadha Purnima is important as it commemorates Lord Buddha’s first sermon, introducing the ‘Four Noble Truths’ and the ‘Noble Eightfold Path’.
Event Highlights
The celebrations included ceremonial prayers led by the Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana Sanghas. Participants also engaged in the recitation and dedication of prayers from the Buddhist Sutras, reflecting the spiritual and cultural heritage shared by India and Nepal.
Speeches and Cultural Ties
Deputy Chief of Mission Prasanna Shrivastava highlighted the profound impact of Lord Buddha’s teachings and emphasized the enduring cultural ties and mutual respect for sacred Buddhist sites between India and Nepal. He noted that Buddhism has been a unifying force fostering strong bilateral relations over centuries.
Additional Celebrations
The embassy also organized a program on the eve of Ashadha Purnima in Lumbini to celebrate Vaisakha Buddha Purnima. The vibrant cultural evening was widely attended and showcased the shared cultural heritage of India and Nepal.
The Embassy’s initiative underscores India’s commitment to nurturing cultural diplomacy and fostering deeper understanding among communities that share a rich Buddhist heritage.
Doubts Revealed
Ashadha Purnima -: Ashadha Purnima is a special full moon day in the Hindu calendar month of Ashadha. It is significant in Buddhism as it marks the day when Buddha gave his first sermon.
Embassy of India -: An embassy is a group of people who represent their country in another country. The Embassy of India in Kathmandu is the office where Indian officials work in Nepal.
Kathmandu -: Kathmandu is the capital city of Nepal, a country that shares a border with India.
Buddhist sects -: Buddhist sects are different groups within Buddhism that have their own practices and beliefs. Examples include Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana.
Buddhist Sutras -: Buddhist Sutras are sacred texts that contain the teachings of Buddha. They are like holy books for Buddhists.
Deputy Chief of Mission -: The Deputy Chief of Mission is the second-in-command at an embassy, helping the ambassador in their duties. Prasanna Shrivastava is the person holding this position in the Indian Embassy in Nepal.
Lumbini -: Lumbini is a place in Nepal where Buddha was born. It is a very important site for Buddhists.
Vaisakha Buddha Purnima -: Vaisakha Buddha Purnima is another important full moon day that celebrates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Buddha. It usually falls in the month of Vaisakha in the Hindu calendar.