Embassy of India in Kathmandu Celebrates Ashadha Purnima

Kathmandu, July 21, 2024 — The Embassy of India in Kathmandu organized a special event today to celebrate the auspicious occasion of Ashadha Purnima. Representatives from various Buddhist sects and monasteries across Nepal participated in the celebration.

Ashadha Purnima commemorates the moment when Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon to his initial five ascetic disciples at Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh. This pivotal sermon, following Lord Buddha’s enlightenment in Bodh Gaya, Bihar, introduced the ‘Four Noble Truths’ and the ‘Noble Eightfold Path’. The day is also recognized as the ‘First Turning of the Wheel of Dharma’.

The event featured ceremonial prayers conducted by the Theravada Sangha, Mahayana Sangha, and Vajrayana Sangha, followed by the recitation and dedication of prayers from the Buddhist Sutras.

Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM), Shri Prasanna Shrivastava, highlighted the profound significance of Lord Buddha’s teachings, emphasizing that the sacred Buddhist sites in both India and Nepal exemplify the shared cultural heritage between the two nations. DCM Shrivastava underscored that Buddhism has long served as a unifying force between India and Nepal, fostering enduring ties over centuries.

The celebration underscored the deep-rooted cultural and spiritual bonds between the two countries, reaffirming their commitment to preserving and promoting the teachings of Lord Buddha.

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