KKN Gurugram Desk | On the holy occasion of Buddha Jayanti 2025, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar participated in a special ceremony at Buddha Smriti Park in Patna, reaffirming his commitment to spiritual heritage, peace, and cultural preservation. The program, attended by senior state officials, Buddhist monks, and religious representatives, focused on spreading messages of compassion, unity, and non-violence as taught by Gautam Buddha.

Nitish Kumar took part in various rituals, offered prayers, performed circumambulation (parikrama), and sat in meditation in front of the sacred relics of Lord Buddha, housed within the Karuna Stupa at Buddha Smriti Park.

Spiritual Observance at Buddha Smriti Park, Patna

The event began early in the day at Buddha Smriti Park, a prominent heritage and spiritual site located in the heart of Patna. The Chief Minister was welcomed by senior monks, including Bhikkhu Sanghasena, who led the rituals associated with Buddha Purnima, marking the birth, enlightenment, and Mahaparinirvana of Gautam Buddha.

Highlights of the ceremony:

• Prayers were offered to the Bodhi Tree saplings sourced from three historically significant Buddhist sites:

  • The original Bodhi Tree of Bodh Gaya

  • The Ananda Bodhi Tree

  • A sapling brought from Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka

• Nitish Kumar performed ritualistic worship of the Buddha statue installed in the park.

• He visited the Karuna Stupa, where the sacred relics of Lord Buddha are preserved.

• Participated in Vipassana meditation, a central practice in Buddhist tradition.

The serene environment of the park was complemented by chanting of Buddhist sutras, the beating of prayer drums, and ceremonial lighting of lamps, all creating a deeply spiritual ambiance.

Call for World Peace and Prosperity

During the program, Nitish Kumar emphasized the timeless relevance of Buddha’s teachings in today’s turbulent world. Sitting in meditation with Buddhist monks, he prayed for global peace, social harmony, and the well-being of all living beings.

“Buddha’s message of peace, compassion, and mindfulness is what the world needs more than ever,” the Chief Minister said.

He also wished for the prosperity and tranquility of Bihar and India, highlighting that spiritual awareness can serve as the foundation for inclusive and sustainable development.

Visit to the Vipassana Meditation Centre

After concluding the rituals at the Karuna Stupa, the Chief Minister visited the Vipassana Centre within Buddha Smriti Park. There, he was given a detailed presentation of the center’s facilities, meditation practices, and its significance in promoting mental well-being and emotional balance.

Key points:

• Nitish Kumar interacted with the Vipassana Centre coordinators.

• Learned about daily meditation schedules, public access, and infrastructure.

• Participated briefly in a guided meditation session.

• The center’s administrators expressed gratitude for the government’s support, especially in maintaining the park and expanding access to spiritual facilities.

The Vipassana Centre has been a major attraction for meditation enthusiasts and spiritual seekers not only from Bihar but from across India and overseas.

Deputy CM Vijay Kumar Sinha Highlights Spiritual Significance

Joining the Chief Minister at the event, Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha addressed the gathering, offering a philosophical and religious perspective on Lord Buddha’s place in Indian culture.

“In Sanatan Dharma, Lord Buddha is considered an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. His teachings—‘Buddham Sharanam Gacchami’—remain timeless and vital for a peaceful world,” said Sinha.

He further remarked that in today’s world where “Asuric tendencies” (demonic behaviors) are on the rise, the teachings of restraint and dharma should guide human actions. He emphasized that spiritual values must underpin policy-making and governance, especially in times of global conflict and social unrest.

Buddha Smriti Park: A Symbol of Bihar’s Buddhist Legacy

Developed to commemorate the 2,600th anniversary of Lord Buddha’s Mahaparinirvana, Buddha Smriti Park stands as a testament to Bihar’s ancient cultural and spiritual roots.

Key features of the park include:

• Karuna Stupa: Houses relics of Lord Buddha, received from Japan, Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar.

• Bodhi Tree saplings: From sacred sites including Bodh Gaya and Anuradhapura.

• Vipassana Centre: Offers silent meditation courses.

• Museum and Library: Dedicated to Buddhist texts, artifacts, and history.

The park serves as a focal point during Buddha Jayanti celebrations, attracting monks, scholars, and tourists from around the globe.

Global and Political Significance of the Event

The Buddha Jayanti event holds not just spiritual but also diplomatic and political importance for Bihar and India:

• India has long promoted Buddhism as a cultural bridge with countries like Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Japan, and Thailand.

• Bihar, particularly Bodh Gaya, remains the centerpiece of global Buddhist pilgrimage.

• The Chief Minister’s participation signals the government’s commitment to promoting cultural tourism and spiritual diplomacy.

Additionally, the emphasis on peace and meditation subtly reinforces Bihar’s identity as a land of enlightenment, in contrast to the violence and unrest in various parts of the world.

Cultural Programs and Public Participation

The day-long celebration also featured traditional Buddhist performances, cultural showcases, and spiritual discourses.

• School students and college volunteers participated in prayer walks.

• Special cultural performances depicted the life of Buddha.

• Free health check-ups and Ayurveda awareness camps were also organized.

Thousands of visitors—including locals, pilgrims, tourists, and media—witnessed the celebration, making it one of the largest Buddha Jayanti observances in the state in recent years.

Buddhism in Bihar: A Spiritual Renaissance

Bihar, the land where Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment, continues to lead in preserving and promoting Buddhist heritage. With increasing investment in infrastructure, heritage conservation, and international partnerships, the state is positioning itself as the spiritual capital for global Buddhist communities.

The active participation of state leadership, especially during such landmark events, further validates this commitment.

The Buddha Jayanti 2025 celebrations at Buddha Smriti Park showcased not only Bihar’s rich historical ties with Buddhism but also offered a powerful message of peace, mindfulness, and harmony in today’s conflicted global environment.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s involvement in the rituals, meditation, and public outreach emphasized that political leadership rooted in cultural consciousness can lead to societal transformation. With growing interest in Vipassana and mindful living, Bihar’s efforts to combine governance with spirituality are likely to resonate far beyond its borders.