International Tipitaka Chanting Ceremony Inaugurated under the sacred Bodhi Tree at Mahabodhi Temple, Bodhgaya
The historic International Tripitaka Chanting Ceremony was formally inaugurated under the sacred Bodhi Tree at the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodhgaya, marking the beginning of ten days of continuous chanting of the Buddhist canonical scriptures. The morning witnessed a vibrant and deeply moving opening parade, with monastic and lay delegations from over 22 countries, including the United States, Cambodia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar, symbolising the living global unity of the Buddhist world.
The official inauguration took place beneath the Bodhi Tree in the presence of His Holiness Sitagu Sayadaw Dr. Ashin Nyanissara, Founder Chancellor of the Sitagu International Buddhist Academies, along with senior members of the Maha Sangha from several Buddhist countries. The ceremony was graced by the presence of Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Hon’ble Union Minister for Tourism and Culture, Government of India, as Chief Guest, and Shri Chowna Mein, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, as Guest of Honour. Other distinguished dignitaries included Shri Wangki Lowang, Hon’ble Minister, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, and Shri Abhijeet Haldar, Director General of the International Buddhist Confederation, along with diplomats, scholars, devotees, and representatives of Buddhist institutions from around the world.
A special written message from the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, was read out by the Union Minister for Tourism and Culture. In his message, the Prime Minister reaffirmed his deep reverence for the teachings of the Buddha and conveyed his best wishes for the successful conduct of the ten-day chanting ceremony.
Delivering the special address as President of the International Tripitaka Chanting Council (India), Ven. Bhikkhu Sanghasena warmly welcomed all delegates and participants. Speaking under the sacred Bodhi Tree, he reminded the gathering of the profound significance of the place and the occasion, stating, “How fortunate and blessed we are to gather at the very place where, over 2,600 years ago, the Bodhisattva Prince Siddhartha Gautama attained Enlightenment and became the Buddha. From this sacred spot, the light of the Buddha Dhamma arose and spread in all directions, illuminating the lives of countless beings across centuries and continents.”
Reflecting on the historical journey of Buddhism, he said, “History reminds us that, over time, Buddhism declined and even disappeared from its land of birth, though it flourished in many neighbouring countries. Yet there is also a hopeful prophecy that the Buddha Dhamma will once again shine brightly in its birthplace, India. Today’s gathering is a powerful expression of that renewal and hope.”
Highlighting the deeper meaning of the event, he emphasised that “the chanting of the Tripitaka here is not merely a ritual. It is a collective aspiration for peace, harmony, and the well-being of all beings, especially at a time when the world is troubled by war, violence, and division.”
Ven. Bhikkhu Sanghasena also expressed gratitude to the Sangha, organising bodies, government institutions, volunteers, and supporters, and acknowledged the pioneering vision behind the International Tripitaka Chanting initiative, which has grown into one of the largest Buddhist gatherings in the world. He concluded his address with a universal message, calling upon participants to return to their countries “as messengers of peace and ambassadors of compassion,” and offering prayers for peace to prevail across the world.
Senior monks from different Buddhist traditions shared blessings and reflections during the inauguration. A special highlight of the day was the keynote address by Ajahn Passano, a respected Buddhist scholar and senior monk in the Ajahn Chah tradition of Thailand.
The inauguration day concluded in a deeply serene and devotional atmosphere, leaving participants with a strong sense of spiritual upliftment and collective purpose. The International Tripitaka Chanting Ceremony continues over the next ten days, reaffirming Bodhgaya’s timeless role as the spiritual heart of the Buddhist world.