Candle Peace March held at MIMC on the Occasion of 2569th Vesak purnima
A solemn Candle Peace March was held at Buddha Park within the Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre (MIMC), Choglamsar, on the auspicious occasion of the 2569th Vesak Purnima, commemorating the birth anniversary of the Tathagata Buddha.
Nestled within the serene campus of MIMC, Buddha Park served as a spiritually uplifting venue for the gathering. The park is a deeply symbolic space, featuring a majestic 41-foot Buddha statue surrounded by 1,000 Buddha statues, each reflecting the universal message of peace, mindfulness, and compassion. Arranged in harmonious symmetry, the statues create an atmosphere of quiet reflection, making the park not only a visual landmark but also a meditative sanctuary. As candlelights flickered gently against this sacred backdrop, the entire park radiated a sense of tranquility and spiritual unity.
The candle peace march was led by Ven.Bhikkhu Sanghasena, who guided the gathering in a spirit of peace, compassion, and reflection in accordance with the teachings of the Buddha.
Addressing the participants, he emphasized, “True peace begins within each individual. When we cultivate compassion and mindfulness in our daily lives, we contribute to a more harmonious and peaceful world. This march is not merely symbolic, but a reminder of our shared responsibility to uphold the values of love, non-violence, and universal brotherhood as taught by the Buddha.”
Among the distinguished attendees were Shri Sanjit Rodrigues, IAS, Administrative Secretary, Tourism & Culture Department, Union Territory of Ladakh, and Shri Mandeep Mittal, IFS, Additional Secretary, Department of Tourism & Culture and the Department of Forest, Ecology & Environment.
Delegates from the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), along with students, teachers, and parents of Mahabodhi Residential School, as well as local residents, actively participated in the candlelight peace march.
Reinforcing the message of the evening, Ven.Bhikkhu Sanghasena further remarked, “In today’s world, where divisions often overshadow unity, such collective expressions of peace serve as a beacon of hope, reminding humanity of the timeless relevance of the Buddha’s teachings.”
The gathering transformed the sacred space into a glowing pathway of devotion, harmony, and shared spiritual purpose. The evening concluded on a serene note with a soulful musical offering by Shri Phuntsog Ladakhi, leaving participants with a deep sense of peace and inspiration