Shimla (Himachal Pradesh), May 1: Exiled Tibetans and Himalayan Buddhist communities gathered in large numbers in Shimla on Friday to observe Buddha Purnima, the 2,570th anniversary of Gautama Buddha’s birth. The full-moon day, sacred to Buddhists, commemorates the Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and parinirvana.
Hundreds of Tibetan monks, local devotees and Buddhists from Kinnaur, Lahaul-Spiti and Ladakh assembled at Dorjeedak Monastery in Panthaghati for early morning prayers and rituals. The ceremony combined devotional practice with efforts to preserve Tibetan culture and Buddhist traditions among exile communities.
Organised by the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), the gathering brought people from across the Himalayan belt. Lhakpa Tsering, Chief Representative of the CTA, said communities from Kinnaur, Lahaul-Spiti, Ladakh and the surrounding area had come together to offer special prayers for peace amid ongoing global conflicts.
“Today we celebrate 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 highlighted the continuing relevance of the Buddha’s teachings on non-violence and compassion. Special prayers sought peace amid tensions in West Asia and other troubled regions.
Acharya Lodoe Zangpo emphasized the spiritual meaning of the day, noting that all sentient beings seek liberation from suffering and that the Buddha showed the path to peace. He said the anniversary is an occasion to recall the teachings, pray for peace and for the Dalai Lama’s long life, and to stress the importance of preserving Tibetan Buddhist traditions in exile, where many authentic teachings and scriptures remain in the Tibetan language.
Members of the Himalayan Buddhist community underscored the universal message of Buddha Purnima. HC Negi, organiser and vice president of the Kinnaur Lahaul-Spiti Bodh Sewa Sangh, said the day is particularly sacred because Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and parinirvana are all believed to have taken place 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,’” he said, crediting the Dalai Lama with revitalising Buddhist awareness in the Himalayan region and promoting the Nalanda tradition.
The observances ended with processions, prayers and community gatherings, as participants reiterated calls for peace, compassion and unity amid growing global turmoil.
This report is based on a syndicated feed.
