The Embassy of India in association with the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) celebrated Asadh Purnima in Kathmandu. Addressing the gathering, Minister of Culture of Nepal Sushila Sirpali Thakuri emphasized on shared Buddhist heritage between India and Nepal. The Secretary of IBC in Nepal mentioned that Buddha's teachings aid in bringing harmony and world peace.
In the event, monks from several monasteries across Nepal participated in offering ritualistic prayers.
The full Moon day that occurs in the Hindu month Ashadha known as Ashadha Purnima has great significance in the Buddhist and Hindu religions. This is also called Guru Purnima when people seek blessings from their mentors.
Around 2.4 million Buddhist followers of Nepal which is about 8.2 percent of Nepal's population, and around 8.5 million Buddhists living in India, about 0.7 percent of the total population celebrate Asadh Purnima. The day marks Buddha's first teaching after attaining Enlightenment to the first five ascetic disciples on the full-moon day of Ashadha in present-day Sarnath, India.
