Synopsis
The Mahakumbh 2025 festival in Prayagraj witnessed over 600 Buddhist devotees from 8 countries, enhancing its global significance. Their presence highlighted the shared spiritual heritage of Buddhism and Sanatan Dharma.Key Takeaways
- Over 600 Buddhist devotees attended Mahakumbh from 8 nations.
- The event symbolizes unity and global spirituality.
- Indresh Kumar emphasized the shared roots of Buddhism and Sanatan Dharma.
- A grand procession called 'Buddhist Maha Kumbh Yatra' will take place.
- The holy dip in the Ganges is a significant ritual for purification.
Prayagraj, Feb 4 (NationPress) The magnificent event of Mahakumbh 2025 represented a historic occasion in Prayagraj as more than 600 Buddhist devotees from 8 prominent Buddhist nations - Thailand, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Bhutan, Japan, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Mongolia - came together for this spiritual celebration.
Their participation elevated the festival to a global scale, emphasizing its importance beyond merely being an Indian religious gathering.
The sacred banks of the Sangam showcased this extraordinary blend of spiritual and cultural diversity, highlighting the splendor of Indian traditions and its deep spiritual essence.
The involvement of Buddhist devotees metamorphosed Maha Kumbh into an international spiritual hub, demonstrating that India’s Sanatan tradition has been a unifying force for humanity, promoting peace, tolerance, and universal brotherhood across centuries.
This significant participation was facilitated by a special invitation from Indresh Kumar, a senior figure in the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the driving force behind the Muslim Rashtriya Manch (MRM).
Indresh Kumar articulated that Buddhism and Sanatan Dharma are akin to two blossoms emerging from a singular spiritual root, deeply entrenched in India’s rich cultural tapestry.
His initiative enabled the attendance of Buddhist delegations, thereby enhancing India's global spiritual influence.
During a special dialogue session at Maha Kumbh, RSS leader Indresh Kumar underscored: “Sanatan Dharma is not a restricted ideology but a spiritual legacy for all of humanity. Mahakumbh stands as a prime example of this, where devotees from diverse nations congregate to receive divine energy. The involvement of Buddhist nations signifies more than a pilgrimage; it represents a worldwide spiritual dialogue, reaffirming India’s ethos of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (The world is one family).”
He further stated: “Buddhism originated in India. Lord Buddha’s teachings are intricately linked to Sanatan values. It is a moment of immense pride that devotees from Buddhist countries are embracing our Sanatan tradition at Mahakumbh. This symbolizes a profound merging of spirituality, culture, and heritage.”
The Buddhist devotees were captivated by the divine and tranquil ambiance of Mahakumbh.
Their displays of devotion, joy, and spiritual fulfillment at the Sangam conveyed emotions that transcended words.
A senior Buddhist monk from Thailand shared: “India has always been the spiritual nucleus of the world. Engaging in Mahakumbh has deepened our appreciation of our ancient ties with Sanatan Dharma. The energy experienced here is unforgettable.”
A devotee from Sri Lanka remarked: “Mahakumbh is not merely a religious function but a festivity of spiritual purification and global unity. Everyone present is engulfed in faith. It fills our hearts with joy.”
A Buddhist monk from Myanmar expressed: “The bond between Buddhism and Sanatan Dharma extends back thousands of years. For us, India is our spiritual homeland. Maha Kumbh is not just a Hindu festival; it belongs to all of humanity.”
On February 5, a grand procession titled “Buddhist Maha Kumbh Yatra” will take place. This sacred journey will traverse significant routes of Prayagraj, culminating at the banks of the Ganges, where Buddhist monks and devotees will engage in meditation, prayers, and spiritual rituals.
The procession aims to underscore the profound connections between Buddhist and Sanatan traditions while propagating the message of global peace and harmony.
On February 6, all Buddhist devotees will partake in the sacred Ganga Snan (holy dip in the Ganges). This ritual holds immense significance in both Hindu and Buddhist practices, symbolizing spiritual cleansing and liberation. The Ganges is honored as a purifier of mind, body, and soul, and this experience will allow devotees to embrace its divine grace.
