About 25k to embrace Buddhism on Tuesday
About 25,000 people mostly from Kerala and Karnataka are likely to embrace Buddhism during the 67thDhammachakra Pravartan Din at Deekshabhoomi, Nagpur, on October 24. Some of them have already reached Nagpur and 300 buses carrying the devotees are reaching here on Monday.
The rituals have already been started at the historical Deekshabhoomi. On Sunday about a thousand people embraced Buddhism, which includes people from Rajasthan, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh etc.
Bhadant Arya Nagarjun Surei Sasai, who is the President of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Memorial Committee at the Deekshabhoomi, is leading the Buddhist monks in performing the rituals and administering 22 oaths. A certificate is also issued to those who embrace Buddhism.
The celebrations have already started at the Deekshabhoomi, where Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar embraced Buddhism along with hundreds of thousands of followers on October 14, 1956, which was also the Vijayadashami Day.
The local administration has made adequate arrangements for the devotees who visit the place in large numbers.
A Dhamma Parishad (Religious Conference) will be held at 7 pm. Bhadant Surei Sasai will be in the chair. Buddhist monks from Thailand, Japan, Sri Lanka, and Malaysia will remain present. A skit based on the life of Dr Ambedkar will be staged at 9 pm.
The Panchaeel Flag will be hoisted at 9 am on October 24. Samata Sainik Dal will salute the flag. Buddhist Idol Group will present songs based on Lord Buddha and Dr Ambedkar at 3 pm.
A statue of King Ashoka will be installed at the Deekshabhoomi. The statue has been donated by the Buddhist Fraternity Movement of Tamilnadu.
A public function will be held in the evening on October 24.