Bodhgaya: The historic Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, hosted the grand Kathin Cheevardan ceremony on Sunday, drawing thousands of Buddhist monks and devotees from around the world. The event, held under the sacred Bodhi tree where Lord Buddha is said to have attained enlightenment, featured Sutpath recitations led by Buddhist monks, while the temple’s chief priest, Bhikshu Chalinda, conducted a traditional puja.
According to Mahasweta Maharathi, Secretary of the Mahabodhi Temple Management Committee (BTMC), the ceremony was celebrated with the customary grandeur seen each year. This year’s puja was sponsored by Chaiwat Kovavisaraaj, Chairman of Thailand’s Wanchak Corporation Public Company, and his family.
Following the ceremony, monks and worshippers gathered at the BTMC office premises, where food was served, with Bhikshu Chalinda personally overseeing the distribution.
The Kathin Cheevardan ceremony, held annually on Ashwin Purnima, marks the conclusion of the three-month Varshavasa, or monastic retreat period. Celebrations continue in Bodh Gaya with Sanghdan ceremonies at various Buddhist monasteries, running through to Kartik Purnima. Buddhists from across the globe participate, reaffirming Bodh Gaya’s significance as a center of faith and reverence in the Buddhist world.
