The International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), New Delhi, in collaboration with Nava Nalanda Mahavihara, Nalanda (a Deemed University under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India), organized the 11th International Dhamma Peace Yatra on 13th December 2024. The event witnessed the participation of approximately 1,500 devotees, including lay disciples and monastics, from countries such as Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, the United States, Japan and Laos.

The 11th Dhamma Yatra commenced at Jethian village (ancient Yashtivan) in Gaya district under the leadership of Professor Siddharth Singh, Vice-Chancellor of Nava Nalanda Mahavihara. The procession culminated at Venuvan, Rajgir, in Nalanda district, traversing the historic Buddha Charika Path spanning approximately 15 km.

This route holds immense historical and spiritual significance as it traces Lord Buddha's journey after attaining Samyak Sambodhi (Enlightenment) and delivering the Dharmachakrapravartan Sutra in Sarnath. Upon learning that the Tathagata was traveling to Rajgir, King Bimbisara of Magadha welcomed Lord Buddha at Jethian (Yashtivan) along with his ministers. The king then respectfully hosted him at the royal garden, Venuvan, in Rajgir. Later, King Bimbisara donated Venuvan to the Buddhist monastic Sangha.

Speaking on the occasion, Professor Siddharth Singh, Vice-Chancellor of Nava Nalanda Mahavihara, emphasized the significance of this ancient path. He noted that Lord Buddha undertook several pilgrimages along this route, delivering profound sermons. Additionally, Chinese Buddhist pilgrims like Fa-Hien and Hiuen Tsang, who studied at the ancient Nalanda Mahavihara, also traveled this path. He proposed declaring 13th December as "Buddhacharika Day" to honor its legacy.

Distinguished attendees included Dr. Sanghpriya Mahathero, Secretary of the Bangladesh Buddhist Monk Association; Wangmo Dixey; Dr. Mahashweta Maharathi; Ven. Khun Jang Dechan (USA); Ven. Ampho (Thailand); and the Principal of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Gaya.

The IBC has been supporting this Yatra relentlessly over the years.