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 considered as a main Buddhist function of India, leads for building strong bonds among various ethnic groups.
This year the Sanchi religious festival was held with the participation of thousands of Bhikkus and devotees from around the world on Saturday (Nov.30) and Sunday (1).
During the ceremony, relics of the Sariyut Mugalan Agrasravaka Maha Rahat Theras, were displayed for public viewing.
Every year Buddhists and others from around the world visit Sanchi Chethiyagiri Maha Viharaya in November to pay homage to the relics.
Accordingly, Sanchi Mahothsawaya, generally called Sanchi Mela, was held on a grand scale, under the guidance of Sri Lanka Maha Bodhi Association Chairman and Sanchi Chethiyagiri Vihara Chief Incumbent Most Ven. Banagala Upatissa Thera.
Former Director General of the Archeology Department of India, Sir Alexander Cunningham discovered the relics of Sariyut Mugalan Agrasravaka Maha Rahat Theras in 1851, during an expedition at the Sanchi Archaeological Site.
After placing these relics in 1952, Sanchi Chetiyagiri Maha Viharaya was built on land donated by Bhopal leader Nawab at that time.
The relics of Agrasravaka are kept in an underground chamber (Suganda Kutiya) throughout the year and taken out once a year during the Sanchi festival, for public viewing.
Incumbent of Sanchi Chethiyagiri Maha Viharaya Banagala Wimalatissa Thera said around 100,000 devotees visited 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 Maharahath Theras, since the India railways have arranged 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 in the 72-year history of the Sanchi religious festival.
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