Over 1k monks join robe offering ceremony at Mahabodhi Mahavihara in Bodh Gaya

Gaya: More than 1,000 monks from Thailand, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Myanmar and other Buddhist countries took part in the Maha Kathina Civara Dana (robe-offering) ceremony under the sacred Bodhi tree at the Mahabodhi Mahavihara on Sunday. The event was organised by the Bodh Gaya Temple Management Committee (BTMC).Mahavihara caretaker monk Bhikkhu Manoj said the ceremony marks the end of Varshawaas (rainy retreat), a three-month period from July to Sept during which monks remain at their monasteries for meditation and prayers. As per Buddhist tradition, devotees offer new robes and other essentials to monks after the retreat.With the conclusion of the ceremony, the Mahavihara is set to host a series of major events organised by Buddhist groups from different countries. These include the 15-day fifth Vietnamese Tipitaka Chanting from Nov 14 to 28, the 11-day 21st International Tipitaka Chanting Ceremony from Dec 2 to 12 and the 10-day Kagyu Monlam Chenmo from Dec 13 to 22. The 2026-27 winter season of world peace pujas will conclude with the five-day third Thailand Chanting Ceremony from March 1 to 5.Anticipating a large influx of devotees and tourists, Union MSME minister Jitan Ram Manjhi and Bihar assembly Speaker Prem Kumar chaired a review meeting on Saturday evening. They directed district and police officials, along with representatives of hotel, travel and Buddhist organisations, to prepare a comprehensive plan to promote tourism and manage visitors.Following the meeting, district magistrate-cum-BTMC chairman Shashank Shubhankar asked officials to prepare a detailed traffic management plan for Bodh Gaya within four days. He directed them to identify separate parking zones for heavy vehicles, light vehicles and e-rickshaws, besides earmarking high-capacity parking areas.Reviewing the Mahavihara’s infrastructure, Shubhankar also directed officials to ensure uniform painting across the premises. He further ordered that the decorative lights on the Mahavihara’s main dome remain switched on throughout the night so that the landmark remains visible from a distance.You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Patna | Silver Rate in Patna | Bank Holidays in Patna | Public Holidays in Patna | Patna AQI | Weather in Patna | Petrol Price in Patna | Diesel Price in Patna | CNG Price in Patna | LPG Price in PatnaStay updated with the latest Patna news. Download the TOI App.