Celebrating Buddha: Gautam Buddha University lines up events

GREATER NOIDA: Gautam Buddha University will mark International Abhidhamma Day on October 9. The day celebrates Gautam Buddha‘s return to earth from heaven after imparting wisdom to his mother.
While it is mainly celebrated in Burma, it has been observed only once in India in 2021 in Kushinagar, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the chief guest at the event.
This year, GBU will hold this event for the first time. Dr Ashin Nanissara, the chancellor of Sitagu International Buddhist Academy, Myanmar, will be the chief guest.
Apart from a scholarly conference and a book launch, eminent monks from Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Nepal, Bhutan, etc., will take part in Buddhist chanting on the occasion.
Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath has been invited as the guest of honour at the event, however, no confirmation has been received yet from his side.
“The highlights of the day include a panel discussion on the ‘Significance of Abhidhamma’; the launch of a book, titled ‘Recent development in the studies of Abhidhamma in India’; and the screening of a film. The day will conclude with a cultural programme by the students of Buddhist Universities,” said Arvind Kumar Singh, public relations officer at the university.
The event is organised in collaboration with the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), a Buddhist umbrella body that serves as a common platform for the community worldwide.
The event will host many international Buddhist luminaries, according to the university officials.