Bodhgaya: India has been chosen as the primary host country for the 20th International Tripitaka Chanting Festival, a milestone event for the global Buddhist community, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a special message marking the occasion. The festival, which began in Bodhgaya, will run for nine days and draw thousands of monks, scholars, and devotees from across the world.
Describing the event as a historic occasion, PM Modi expressed pride in India hosting the festival for two consecutive years — the 20th and 21st editions — and said it highlights the country’s rich spiritual heritage. “Lord Buddha’s teachings of compassion, service, and harmony serve as a bridge between individuals and nations,” he stated. “India heartily welcomes all guests arriving in Bodhgaya from around the world.”
In his message, the Prime Minister also reflected on his recent visit to Thailand, where he received a phonetic version of the Tripitaka, originally written in Pali. He recalled that his government had granted classical language status to Pali to ensure the preservation of the language in which the words of Lord Buddha are recorded, and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promoting research, study, and awareness of Pali.
The annual festival, held for two decades, brings together thousands of monks, scholars, and followers in a collective recitation of the Tripitaka, strengthening global Buddhist traditions and promoting messages of peace, compassion, and unity.
Concluding his message, PM Modi offered blessings to all participants and organisers, ending with: “Victory to Lord Buddha! Namo Buddhaya! Jai Hind!”
