Shimla (Himachal Pradesh), May 1: Tibetans in exile and Himalayan Buddhists gathered in large numbers in Shimla on Friday to observe Buddha Purnima, marking the 2,570th birth anniversary of Gautama Buddha. The day, sacred to Buddhists, commemorates the Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and parinirvana.
Hundreds of Tibetan monks, local Buddhists and devotees assembled at Dorjeedak Monastery in Panthaghati for early morning prayers and rituals. The event reflected both devotion and efforts to preserve Tibetan culture among exiles and Buddhist communities from Kinnaur, Lahaul-Spiti and Ladakh.
Organised under the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), the gathering brought together people from across the Himalayan belt. Lhakpa Tsering, Chief Representative of the CTA, said communities from Kinnaur, Lahaul-Spiti, Ladakh and the locality had come to Shimla to observe the day together and offer special prayers for peace amid ongoing global conflicts.
“Today, we are celebrating Buddha Jayanti, the 2,570th birth anniversary of Lord Buddha. This day is very important for Buddhists across the world. At a time when the world is witnessing conflicts, especially in regions like the Middle East, we are offering special prayers for global peace and harmony. We are also praying for the long life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and promoting his four key commitments: human values, religious harmony, preservation of Tibetan culture, and protection of the Nalanda tradition,” he said.
Monks stressed the relevance of the Buddha’s teachings of non-violence and compassion in today’s troubled world. Special prayers sought peace amid tensions in West Asia and elsewhere.
Acharya Lodoe Zangpo underscored the spiritual importance of the day, saying all sentient beings seek liberation from suffering and that the Buddha showed the path to peace and liberation. He said the anniversary was an occasion to remember the teachings and pray for peace and for the Dalai Lama’s long life, while also stressing the need to preserve Tibetan Buddhist traditions in exile because many authentic teachings and scriptures survive in the Tibetan language.
Members of the Himalayan Buddhist community reiterated that Buddha Purnima conveys a universal message. HC Negi, organiser and vice president of Kinnaur Lahaul-Spiti Bodh Sewa Sangh, said the day is rare and sacred since the Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and parinirvana are all believed to have occurred on the same full moon day, Vaishakh Purnima.
“The essence of this day is to awaken awareness within ourselves—to move from darkness to light. People avoid unwholesome actions and focus on self-improvement. It is also a time to reflect on compassion and mindfulness. This year is particularly significant as it marks the 90th birth year celebrations of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, observed globally as a ‘Year of Compassion,’” Negi said, crediting the Dalai Lama with revitalising Buddhist awareness in the Himalayan region and spreading the Nalanda tradition.
The observances concluded with processions, prayers and community gatherings, with participants reiterating calls for peace, compassion and unity amid growing global turmoil.
(This report is based on a syndicated feed.)
