Pakistan marks International Vesak Day at Taxila with global diplomatic participation

• Buddhist festival observed with reverence, respect and spiritual devotion in Lahore

• Ceremony held at historic Dharmarajika Stupa and Taxila Museum

• Diplomats from Nepal, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Vietnam and Myanmar attend event

• Punjab leadership underscores cultural heritage for tourism, diplomacy and economic growth

 LAHORE: International Vesak Day was observed in Pakistan on Saturday with great reverence, respect and spiritual devotion, marking one of the most important religious festivals of Buddhism that commemorates the birth, enlightenment and Mahaparinirvana of Gautama Buddha.

The Buddha Jayanti/Vesak ceremony was held at the historic Dharmarajika Stupa and Taxila Museum under the auspices of the Punjab Government’s Tourism, Archaeology and Museums Department, in line with the vision of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and on the directives of Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb.

The event was hosted by Secretary Tourism, Archaeology and Museums Department Socrat Aman Rana, along with Director General Archaeology Punjab Zaheer Abbas Malik. Federal Minister Aurangzeb Khan Khichi attended the ceremony as a special guest.

Diplomatic participation gave the event an international dimension, with ambassadors and envoys from several countries in attendance. Distinguished guests included Ambassador Rita Dhital of Nepal, Ambassador Rongvudhi Virabutr of Thailand, High Commissioner Rear Admiral H.L.A.D.F. Senevirathne of Sri Lanka, Ambassador Pham Anh Tuan of Vietnam, and Ambassador Wunna Han of Myanmar.

During the ceremony, participants visited the ancient heritage site, took part in religious rituals, and attended special prayer sessions. The site holds immense historical significance in Buddhist civilisation and is associated with the era of Emperor Ashoka.

The programme continued from 5pm to 8pm, comprising a one-hour guided visit followed by a two-hour conference. Speakers highlighted the importance of leveraging Buddhist cultural heritage for economic development, sustainable tourism, cultural diplomacy, and strengthening global partnerships.

On the occasion, Venerable Anil Shakya from Thailand and Venerable Polpiti Mukalane Pannasiri Thero from Sri Lanka led special prayers and spiritual sessions.

It may be noted that the United Nations General Assembly officially recognised International Vesak Day on December 15, 1999.

The ceremony concluded as a strong expression of peace, love, tolerance and interfaith harmony, bringing together participants from diverse countries and faiths to promote the message of brotherhood and peaceful coexistence.