Buddha Festival 2013 celebrated in Nagpur
Ritayush writes from Nagpur, heartland of the Buddhist revival in India, where Triratna’s Nagpur Buddhist Centre recently celebrated their very successful 2013 Buddha Festival. Due to the success of their past Festivals in 2011 and 2012 they were able to hold the Festival at the historic Deeksha Bhoomi, site of Ambedkar’s historic mass conversion to Buddhism in 1956. He writes -

“It is very important that these three Buddha Festivals were organized at the Deeksha Bhoomi, where the historic mass conversion to Buddhism was done by Bodhisattva Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar on 14th October 1956. This event changed the course of the lives of millions of his followers all over India - and changed the political, social, religious & cultural scene of India. Buddhists here were very happy by the organization of the Festival. We experienced the high positive emotions & expressions by the thousands of people who witnessed the festivals. The Buddha Festival has given them opportunity to experience the rich art, culture & heritage of Buddhism & also to take the Dhamma seriously. We feel the festival has bridged the gap between different sections of the society.

Guests, artists & people from many states of India & other nations came to witness, perform & add beauty to the festival. Due to the direct telecast of all events on local ‘Lord Buddha TV’ television, millions of people watched it at their homes. Most of them wish to make their physical presence in next Buddha Festival. Our team is very satisfied by the success of three consecutive Buddha festivals. However we now feel the responsibility to continue & make it even better. On behalf of Nagpur Buddhist Centre I wish to express my gratitude towards all for their generous help, support & encouragement.

Namo Buddhay! Jai Bheem!"
Ritayush