sikkim-glows-with-saga-dawa-buddha-purnima

Sikkim is abuzz with the spiritual fervor of Saga Dawa, the most sacred festival in the Buddhist calendar, celebrated annually on the 15th day of the fourth month of the Northern Buddhist Calendar. 

 

Saga Dawa commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and Mahaparinirvana (passing away) of Buddha Shakyamuni, making it a day of profound significance for Buddhists.

 

Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya extended heartfelt greetings to the people of Sikkim. 

 

In his message, he stated, “I extend my greetings and good wishes to the people of Sikkim on the auspicious occasion of Saga Dawa. This occasion marks the birth, enlightenment, and attainment of parinirvana of Shakyamuni Buddha.” 

 

He stressed the enduring relevance of Buddha’s teachings, noting, “Lord Buddha has always inspired us to work towards a just, compassionate, and humane society. His guiding principle, ‘Appa Deepo Bhava’—become your lamp and illuminate the lives of others—will continue to lead us all.”

 

The Governor expressed hopes that the occasion would strengthen bonds of mutual love, harmony, and unity among the Sikkimese people.

 

Meanwhile, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) and All Ranks of the Trishakti Corps also extended their greetings and best wishes. 

 

"GOC and All Ranks Trishakti Corps extend greetings and best wishes to the people of Sikkim on the occasion of Saga Dawa. May this festival bring peace and happiness amongst all," tweeted the Trishakti Corps.

 

Saga Dawa's significance is underscored by the throngs of devotees in Gangtok, participating in a sacred procession. Amid the chanting of religious prayers by Buddhist monks and the rhythmic beating of drums, the traditional festivities were observed with reverence and devotion. 

 

 

The month of Saga Dawa is believed to magnify the merits of good deeds, with offerings made to religious orders and alms given to the less fortunate.

 

On a broader scale, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu, among other leaders, extended their wishes on the occasion of Buddha Purnima 2024. 

 

Buddha Purnima, also known as Buddha Jayanti or Vesak, is an annual celebration observed on the first full moon of the Hindu calendar month Vaishakha. 

 

This significant day commemorates the birth of Lord Gautam Buddha, who was born as Prince Siddhartha Gautam in Lumbini, present-day Nepal, around 563 BC. Buddhists worldwide celebrate Buddha Purnima with great fervour.

 

In parallel with these celebrations, Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang joined in the observance, extending heartfelt greetings to the people on Buddha Purnima, synonymous with Saga Dawa.