The sacred day celebration

Buddha Purnima is the birth anniversary of the Lord Gautam Buddha and is celebrated annually on the purnima (full moon day) of 'Vaisakha'. It is also believed that this day celebrates birth, attaining Nirvana (enlightenment) and passing away of Buddha. It is considered to be the most sacred day in the Buddhist calendar.

The Heritage Department of Telangana has taken up lot of excavations at various Buddhist sites and more evidences were found on the flourishing of Buddhism in the State. Telangana Tourism has identified Buddhist Tourism as an important segment because of its tremendous appeal to both domestic and foreign tourists from East and South East Asia, particularly Japan, China, Thailand, Srilanka and Singapore.

The Buddha Jayanti celebration this year starts with the preview of a photo exhibition on relics of Buddha and will be inauguratedby C Parthasarathi, principal secretary to government (FAC), YAT & C (tourism) department, followed by dance ballet on "Gupta Vasavadatta" by Yashoda Thakore and troupe.

Yashoda Thakore and troupe will present the story of Upagupta, a disciple of Buddha and the dancer Vasavadatta, which shows how after being spurned by Upagupta, a distraught Vasavadatta falls from grace before she is redeemed by him; she undergoes an inner transformation and learns to appreciate herself for the magnificence that is within her.

Next day, devotees will offer prayers and chantat State Museum, Nampally and Buddha Statue Hussain Sagar Lake, from 3.45pm onwards.

What: Buddha Jayanti celebrations

Where: Ravindra Bharathi

When: 17 May

Time: 6 pm