Buddhist Festival All Set to Open in Bodh Gaya on Sunday

Bodh Gaya: January 11, 2003

Bodh Gaya is all set for the opening of the Buddhist Festival of Kalachakra that officially commences on January 12 under the spiritual guidance and presence of the Tibetan leader-in-exile the Dalai Lama.

Security remains the major issue where thousands of Buddhists have arrived in the town to participate in the week-long prayers for world peace and welfare of all. The district administration has summoned extra security force from Patna and other districts in the state to cope with the issue and police check-points have been set up at several places to filter out any undesirable and dangerous elements.

On Friday, it was learnt that the religious leader Ugyen Trinel Dorji, the 17th Karmapa, who was attending the Kajud Monlam Chenmo Pooja in Bodh Gaya, has decided to extend his stay at the request of the Dalai Lama until the conclusion of prayers. He was earlier scheduled to leave for Sarnath for other religious engagements.

The state Tourism Minister Ashok Singh, on Thursday, held a meeting with the district officials and reviewed the arrangements regarding adequate security, power supply, water supply, seating arrangements, lighting arrangements, construction of stage for cultural and variety events, transport and other facilities to ensure the visitors do not face any kind of inconvenience and the Kalachakra festival is concluded peacefully and without any untoward incident.

The Chief Minister Mrs. Rabri Devi will inaugurate the festival on 11th January. Her husband and the Rashtriya Janata Dal chief Laloo Prasad Yadav is also expected to be beside her.

A cultural show has been planned for the inaugural day and many artists, including the well-known singer Anuradha Paudwal, are expected to participate.