The twentieth International Tipitaka Chanting Ceremony will take place at the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodhgaya from 2 to 13 December. Seventeen Buddhist organisations from across India have joined hands for the first time to organise the event, marking a significant moment of unity among the country’s Buddhist communities.
The ceremony, held annually since 2006, will be followed by the traditional walk from Jethian Valley to Venuvana in Rajgir. The long standing programme has been led for two decades by Wangmo Dixey of the Light of Buddha Dharma Foundation International. At a press conference hosted by the International Buddhist Confederation with the Ministry of Culture, she emphasised the importance of collective recitation of the Pali Canon. She said, “We are honoured with the recognition of Pali as a classical language by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and hopeful that more people from India will join this year’s recitation.” The gathering is the largest Theravada event of its kind. More than 15,000 Indian monks and lay devotees are expected to participate, along with visitors from countries including Bangladesh, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam and the United States. About 1,000 volunteers will assist with the arrangements.
The opening ceremony on 2 December will feature Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu as Chief Guest, with Chawana Mein as Guest of Honour. Union minister Kiren Rijiju will attend as Chief Guest on 6 December, while Union minister Nitin Gadkari will preside over the closing ceremony on 12 December. The International Tipitaka Chanting Committee of India, headed by Venerable Sanghasena of the Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre in Ladakh, is coordinating this year’s programme. Venerable Sanghasena praised efforts to promote Buddhist heritage and said, “India has been the Vishwa Guru in the past because we had Buddha. We are reclaiming that legacy through peace, compassion and non violence.”
The twelve day ceremony will include chanting under the Bodhi Tree, evening Dhamma talks, cultural performances and a large food tent at the Kalachakra grounds.
The programme will conclude with the commemorative walk on 13 December and the donation of golden Buddha statues to communities across India.
