Minister of State for Culture, Civil Aviation and Tourism Sushila Sirpali Thakuri has said that Buddhism was one of the bonds that have connected India and Nepal for centuries and expressed confidence that the civilizational ties between the two countries would be strengthened in modern times by the construction of Buddhist as well as other religious circuits.
Minister of State Thakuri was speaking at a function held on the auspicious occasion of Asadha Purnima hosted by the Embassy of India, Kathmandu, in association with the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) at the Embassy’s Swami Vivekananda Culture Center in Kathmandu on Monday.
Representatives from various Buddhist sects and monasteries in Nepal, as well as office-bearers from the Lumbini Development Trust participated in the event.
It may be noted that the Asadha Purnima commemorates Lord Buddha's first sermon to his first five ascetic disciples after attaining enlightenment. This is popularly also known as the day of the First Turning of Wheels of Dharma.
On the occasion, ceremonial prayers by Mahayana Sangha and Theravada Sangha were held to be followed by dedication of prayers of four Buddhist Sutras.
Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy, Prasanna Shrivastava, underscored the importance of the teachings of Lord Buddha.
An exhibition showcasing various Buddhist sites of religious importance in Nepal and India was also displayed on the occasion.
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