On May 1, 2026, Vesak Day was commemorated at the historic Dharmarajika Stupa in Taxila, marking a spiritually significant moment at one of the region\u2019s most revered Buddhist sites. The peace prayer ceremony was organised by the Punjab Archaeology Department in collaboration with Buddhist delegations from Sri Lanka, Thailand, Nepal, Vietnam, and Myanmar. Representing Pakistan at the event were Federal Minister for National Heritage and<\/p>\n
Culture Aurangzeb Khan Khichi, Ramesh Sing Arora, provincial Minister for Minorities Affairs, Zaildar Ahsan Shah, Chairman of the International Relations Committee of the Islamabad High Court Bar Association, and Syed Zaheer Shah Zaildar, Pak-Romania Friendship Association.<\/p>\n
The Dharmarajika Stupa, believed to have been established by Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE, is among the oldest and most important Buddhist monuments in South Asia. It once housed relics of Gautama Buddha and served as a prominent center for Buddhist worship and pilgrimage. As part of the ancient Gandhara civilization, Taxila was a hub of learning that attracted scholars and monks from across Asia. Although the stupa suffered damage during invasions by the White Huns in the 5th century CE, it continues to stand as a symbol of spiritual heritage and the historical spread of Buddhism.<\/p>\n
After nearly fifteen centuries of silence, the site resonated once again with the chants of Buddhist monks. The tranquil surroundings, long defined by quiet footsteps and rustling leaves, transformed into a vibrant spiritual setting as monks conducted rituals and delivered a Dhamma sermon.<\/p>\n
The ceremony began with traditional offerings presented by monks from Sri Lanka, including incense, light, water, flowers, fruits, and rice each symbolising core Buddhist values such as purity, wisdom, impermanence, enlightenment, and sustenance. The event concluded with visit around the main stupa.<\/p>\n
Vesak Day, also known as Buddha Purnima, marks the birth, enlightenment, and passing of the Buddha, all believed to have occurred on the same day. In 2026, Buddhists worldwide observe the 2,570th anniversary of his enlightenment. The United Nations officially recognised Vesak as an international observance in 2000.<\/p>\n
Prominent monks, including Most Venerable Thebo from Sri Lanka and Most Venerable Anil<\/p>\n
Sakiya, led prayers and delivered sermons, emphasising the message of peace associated with Emperor Ashoka. In his address, Anil Sakiya described the stupa as a powerful symbol of harmony and highlighted the importance of reviving its message in today\u2019s world.<\/p>\n
Speaking on the occasion, Thailand\u2019s Ambassador to Pakistan, Rongvudhi Virabutr, noted the collective participation of five Southeast Asian nations and expressed hope for increased religious tourism, while also pointing out the need for improved infrastructure.<\/p>\n
Sri Lanka\u2019s High Commissioner, Ravindra Chandrasiri Wijegunaratne, said the event would further strengthen longstanding cultural ties between Sri Lanka and Pakistan while promoting a global message of peace. He noted that such gatherings highlight the shared Buddhist heritage that connects the two nations across centuries. He emphasised the importance of continued collaboration in preserving historical sites and promoting religious tourism.<\/p>\n
Nepal\u2019s Ambassador, Rita Dhital, described the ceremony as a success and highlighted the importance of interfaith harmony and shared cultural values. She further remarked that such initiatives provide an opportunity to deepen mutual understanding between the peoples of both countries. She expressed Vietnam\u2019s interest in participating in future cultural and religious events in Pakistan<\/p>\n
Myanmar\u2019s Ambassador to Pakistan also welcomed the revival of religious activities at the historic site, stating that Taxila holds deep spiritual significance for Buddhists worldwide. He emphasised that Myanmar values its cultural and religious connections with Pakistan and expressed hope that such events would encourage pilgrims from Myanmar to visit these sacred sites, further strengthening people-to-people ties.<\/p>\n
Similarly, Vietnam\u2019s Ambassador to Pakistan praised the ceremony as a meaningful step toward reconnecting with shared Buddhist heritage. He noted that Vietnam sees great importance in preserving and promoting historical links across the Buddhist world and said the event would inspire greater cultural exchange and tourism between Vietnam and Pakistan.<\/p>\n
Addressing a seminar titled \u201cA Confluence of Faith, Culture, and Shared Heritage\u201d at the Taxila Museum, Minister Aurangzeb Khan Khichi reaffirmed Pakistan\u2019s commitment to preserving its Buddhist heritage and highlighted the country\u2019s vast potential for religious tourism.<\/p>\n
Syed Zaheer Shah Zaildar termed the event a potential \u201cgame changer\u201d for Taxila, citing its potential to boost religious tourism and support infrastructure development under a Rs3.97 billion heritage initiative.<\/p>\n
While talking to media, Zaildar Ahsan Shah praised the participating nations including Sri Lanka, Thailand, Nepal, Vietnam, and Myanmar for reviving religious activities at the historic site after nearly fifteen centuries. He added that such initiatives play a vital role in deepening mutual understanding, promoting shared heritage, and fostering lasting international cooperation. He also commended the Government of Punjab for organising the event, stating that it sends a strong message to the world that Pakistan respects minority communities, safeguards their religious heritage, and ensures their freedom to practice their faith.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
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