Buddha Jayanti 2025

Gaya, May 12, 2025 – The 2569th Buddha Jayanti celebration, organized by the Bodhgaya Temple Management Committee (BTMC), was held today with great reverence at the Mahabodhi Temple.

The day began in a joyous atmosphere with a peace procession starting from the 80-feet temple at 7:00 AM, concluding under the Bodhi Tree within the Mahabodhi Mahavihara premises. The procession was inaugurated by BTMC Secretary Dr. Mahashweta Maharathi, Chief Monk of Mahabodhi Mahavihara Bhikkhu Chalinda, and other monks by lighting the ceremonial lamp. The grand and vibrant procession was joined by respected monks, lamas, bhikkhunis, school children, and representatives including N. Tenzing Gyatso (President), Bhikkhu Prajnadeep (Secretary, International Buddhist Council), and Harnam Singh Namdhari from the Namdhari Sangat of Jharkhand.

Following this, the Buddha Jayanti ceremony began at 9:00 AM under the sacred Bodhi Tree. The Chief Guest, Honorable Governor of Bihar, Shri Arif Mohammed Khan, was welcomed upon arrival. He offered prayers in the sanctum sanctorum and made offerings of robes, flowers, incense, and kheer to the statue of Lord Buddha. The Chief Monk and other monks chanted sacred scriptures.

Under the Bodhi Tree, the Governor and distinguished guests, including Ven. Somdek, Sangharaja, Thailand, Upasika Thosporn Wachiraganphen, Sponsor of this year’s Buddha Purnima Celebrations formally inaugurated the 2569th Buddha Jayanti by lighting the ceremonial lamp.

Chief Monk Bhikkhu Chalinda administered the Five Precepts.

Dr. Thyagarajan S.M., District Magistrate of Gaya and Chairman of BTMC, welcomed the gathering and presented a brief overview of BTMC’s achievements. He highlighted the rapid development and beautification of the Mahabodhi Temple and BTMC. And also mentioned about the installation of a 180-kilowatt solar power plant aimed at reducing electricity consumption and promoting clean energy—a commendable initiative.

And mention was made of the recycling of floral offerings at the Temple into incense sticks and other fragrant products, yielding positive results.

The annual bilingual magazine PRAJNA-2025 was released by His Excellency the Governor of Bihar and the Members of the Editorial Board.

Speakers such as Ven. N. Tenzing Gyatso, President, International Buddhist Council, Upasika Thosporn Wachiraganphen, Sponsor of the Celebration and Harnam Singh Namdhari of the Namdhari Sangat, India highlighted the significance of Buddha Jayanti, the life and teachings of the Buddha, and expressed their devotion.

On behalf of BTMC, Dr. Thyagarajan S.M. presented mementos to His Excellency the Governor of Bihar. Mementos were also presented to the Sponsor Upasika Thosporn Wachiraganphen.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Mahashweta Maharathi, BTMC Secretary.