Agartala, May 12: Hundreds of devotees thronged the historic Benuban Vihar monastery in Agartala on Monday to celebrate the 2569th birth anniversary of Lord Buddha, offering prayers and lighting candles to mark the auspicious occasion of Buddha Jayanti.
The serene monastery, built during the reign of Tripura’s royal Manikya dynasty, transformed into a vibrant spiritual hub as people from various parts of the state, including members of the Mog, Chakma, Barua, and Uchoi communities, gathered to commemorate the birth, enlightenment, and Mahaparinirvana of Lord Buddha — a rare three-fold coincidence that lends Buddha Purnima its unique significance.
Tripura is home to over two lakh Buddhists, most of whom practice Theravāda Buddhism. Alongside the rituals, a fair added festive charm to the celebrations, drawing not only Buddhists but also people from other faiths in a display of communal harmony.
Speaking on the occasion, a senior monk Dr Dhammapiya who is the founder and chancellor of Dhamma Dipa International Buddhist University said, “On this holy day, we pray for peace and brotherhood among people of all religions and communities. There should be no war, no killing — people want to live peacefully, whether in India, Pakistan or anywhere else in the world.”
Buddha Purnima, the most sacred day in the Buddhist calendar, is observed globally with devotion. Lord Buddha’s teachings of non-violence, right conduct, and universal love were remembered through chants, meditation sessions, and discourses at the monastery.
The Benuban Vihar celebration underscored the enduring relevance of Buddha’s message in a world grappling with conflict and division — calling once again for a path guided by compassion, understanding, and peace.
