Buddha Purnima is being celebrated today and tomorrow in Puttaparthi, Andhra Pradesh, at Prasanthi Nilayam, the ashram of Sathya Sai Baba. The programmes are being held at the Sai Kulwant Hall.
Today’s morning session begins at 8.00 am with Vedic chanting, followed by an introduction to the festival, a procession of Buddhist monks, lamp lighting, rituals and offerings. A discourse by Buddhist monk Kempo Samdup Lama is scheduled, before bhajans and mangala arati.
In the evening, Vedic chanting is followed by a talk by Dhammika Kalabuke, a dance by Bal Vikas children, and a spiritual discourse. The session concludes with bhajans and mangala arati.
Tomorrow’s morning programme includes Vedic chanting, a traditional folk music troupe procession, and a collective chanting of the mantra “Om Mani Padme Hum”. A discourse by Prof. Yoginder Varma, Himachal Pradesh president of the Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation (SSSSS), is scheduled, followed by a video on Buddha Darshan and concluding prayers.
The second day’s evening session features Vedic chanting, a music programme by the women’s group “Rhythmic Beats”, a dance by Bal Vikas students, and bhajans with mangala arati.
