Chairman of the Mahabodhi Society and Chief Incumbent of Japan Ven. Banagala Upatissa Thera said that the historic Sanchi festival paves the way for creating strong religious harmony.
The Thera made these remarks while participating in the 72nd annual Sanchi Mahabodhi Mahotsavaya (Sanchi religious festival) of the Sanchi Chethiyagiri Maha Vihara, India.
Ven. Upatissa Thera added that Sanchi festival in India, which is coconsidered as a main Buddhist function of India leads for building strong bonda among various ethnic groups
This year rhe Sanchi religious festival was held with the participation of thousands of Bhikkus and devotees around the world yesterday and day before yesterday (November 30 and December 1).
During the ceremony, the relics of the Sariyut Mugalan Agrasravaka Maha Rahat Theras, were displayed for public viewing.
Every year Buddhists and others round the world visit Sanchi Chethiyagiri Maha Viharaya to pay homage to the relics in November.
Accordingly, Sanchi Mahothsawaya, which generally called as Sanchi Mela, was held in a grand manner under the guidance of Sri Lanka Maha Bodhi Association Chairman and Sanchi Chethiyagiri Vihara Chief Incumbent Most Ven. Banagala Upatissa Thera.
Archeology Department of India former Director General Sir Alexander Cunningham discovered the relics of Saryut Mugalan Agrasravaka Maha Rahat Theras in 1851 during an expedition at the Sanchi Archaeological Site.
Sanchi Chetiyagiri Maha Viharaya was built after placing these relics in 1952 on a land donated by Bhopal leader Nawab at that time.
The relics of Agrasravaka are kept under an underground chamber (Suganda Kutiya) throughout the year and taken out just once a year during the Sanchi festival for public viewing.
Incumbent of Sanchi Chethiyagiri Maha Viharaya Banagala Wimalatissa Thera said tha around 100,000 devotees visit Sanchi Mela this year. Accordingly, not only Buddhists but also many others from various countries including Sri Lanka, Thailand, Nepal, Japan China and a few other countries participated in the historic Sanchi festival this year.
It is significant that the participants have a rare opportunity to take part in this festival to pay homage to the relics of Sariyut Mughalan Maharahat Theras since the India railways have taken measures to stop most of the trains including five super express trains at Sanchi Railway Station during the Mahabodhi festive season.
Ven. Udugama Tapassi Thera said that the main function of the Mahabodhi festival is to provide an opportunity for the public to worship the relics whilst to build a strong rapport among each ethic groups.
Representing Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modhi, Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs Minister Shri Kiran Rijiju and several state officials of Madhya Pradesh Government took part in the festival. Besides, Tourism and Panchayat Sabha Miinister Prahalad Sing Patel participated in the festival as Chief Guest.
In line with the festival the Sri Lankan media team presented a cultural programme at the festival for the third time during the 72 years’ history of Sanchi religious event.