Prayagraj, 4 February 2025: Honourable Kalon (Minister) Dolma Gyari, along with Under Secretary Tsering Topgyal from the Department of Religion and Culture, Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), and Chime Tashi from the Department of Security attended the Buddha Special Sangam Maha Kumbh and Bodh Maha Kumbh Yatra in Prayagraj this week.

On the first day of the event, the Security Kalon played a pivotal role in facilitating the Bodh Maha Kumbh Yatra program, a spiritual gathering that saw hundreds of pilgrims and devotees come together to celebrate shared Buddhist values. In the evening, the Kalon held an interaction with participants from the Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies and monks from Sikkim.

On the second day, 5 February 2025, Honourable Kalon graced the Buddha Special Sangam Maha Kumbh, a unique event organised by the Himalayan Buddhist Cultural Association. The program featured the celebration of Lhakhar, a significant Tibetan cultural practice, accompanied by Sangsol prayers and cultural performances (Tashi Shopa) that highlighted the rich traditions of Tibetan Buddhism.

This spiritual gathering underscores the growing cultural exchange between Tibetan Buddhism and Indian religious practices, providing a platform for dialogue and strengthening ties among diverse communities.

Honourable Kalon also inspected the India-Tibet Coordination Office (ITCO) bookstall and interacted with volunteers and visitors.

Afternoon program continued with Shobha Yatra, collaboratively organised by committee of Bodh Maha Kumbh Yatra and Buddha Special Sangam Maha Kumbh. The Buddhist monks led a grand procession chanting “Buddham Sharanam Gacchami, Dhammam Sharanam Gacchami, Sangham Sharanam Gacchami”, aiming to spread the essence of Buddhism among the masses. The procession culminated at the Prabhu Premi camp of Juna Akhara’s Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Swami Avdheshanand Giri, where the monks were warmly welcomed.

Honourable Kalon Dolma Gyari, called the event historic, noting that it marked a significant step toward fostering closeness between Sanatan Dharma and Buddhism. She expressed her joy at seeing the monks and lamas walking side by side, affirming that Buddhists and Sanatanis have always been united and will continue to move forward together.

The Mahakumbh in Prayagraj is recognised as the world’s largest public gathering, drawing several millions of devotees and pilgrims from across the globe. This sacred event, which occurs once every 144 years, is a significant pilgrimage for people of various faiths. This extraordinary occasion offers a unique opportunity for spiritual renewal and reflection at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Sarasvati rivers at the Triveni Sangam.