International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) in collaboration with Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India organized Vaishakha Buddha Purnima 2025 celebrations on 15 May 2025 at the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi. This spiritually significant occasion, also known as Triple Blessed Day, marks the Birth, Enlightenment, and Mahāparinirvāna of Lord Shākyamuni Buddha. The event saw a convergence of spiritual leaders, dignitaries, scholars, diplomats, and practitioners from across the globe, all united by the timeless teachings of the Buddha. The ceremony was attended by over 600 guests, including monks, nuns, lay followers, and Buddhist students. Notably, ambassadors of Bhutan, Mongolia, Nepal, and Sri Lanka were honoured at the event, along with mission representatives from Laos, Japan, Russia, Taiwan, and Cambodia, symbolizing the widespread reverence for the Buddha and India's enduring cultural ties with Buddhist nations.

Union Minister for Culture and Tourism, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, presided over the ceremony as the Chief Guest. In his keynote speech, he highlighted India’s sacred status as the land of the Buddha’s journey and the modern steward of his enduring teachings. “India is not just the land of Buddha’s birth—it is the steward of his universal message of non-violence, mindfulness, and the Middle Path,” Shekhawat affirmed, resonating with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s message of global spiritual leadership.

Shri Shekhawat emphasized India’s continued efforts in promoting Buddhist diplomacy. One of the most significant cultural outreaches has been the exposition of Holy Buddha Relics, which have toured countries such as Mongolia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam. In Vietnam alone, more than 1.8 million devotees paid homage to the relics over the past ten days. “These expositions are not just ceremonial—they are acts of deep spiritual connection and cultural diplomacy,” he noted.

Guest of Honour, Shri Kiren Rijiju, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs, offered profound reflections on the Buddha's universal message. “One need not be Buddhist to follow the Buddha. His wisdom is a guiding light for all,” he said, stressing that Buddhism is more a way of life than a religion, providing guidance through moral and philosophical depth.

He also invoked Prime Minister Modi’s stance on peace and strength. “India has given the world the teachings of Buddha, not war. Yet, if peace is threatened, India will wield its strength— ‘shakti’—to preserve it,” Rijiju declared, reflecting a balance of moral authority and national resolve.

In his welcome address, Shartse Khensur Jangchup Choeden Rinpoche, Secretary General, IBC, shared an inspirational discourse on the 47 Sanskrit qualities of the Buddha, drawn from rare literary sources. These verses, often chanted during Vesak observances, elevate the spiritual significance of the event.

Mr. Abhijit Halder, Director General, IBC, in his address shared the Culture Ministry’s recent success in preventing the auction of the jewels and bone fragments associated with sacred Piprahwa relics, Buddhist artefacts from ancient Kapilavastu. “It was the power and blessings of the Buddha that averted this,” he expressed, crediting spiritual intervention and proactive diplomacy.

Following the lunch break, a special panel discussion on “Application of Buddha Dhamma in Conflict Resolution” featured senior Buddhist scholars including Geshe Dorji Damdul, Director, Tibet House, Prof. Hira Paul Gang Negi, Former HoD, Buddhist Studies, Delhi University and Prof. Bimlendra Kumar, Professor of Pali & Buddhist Studies, BHU, Varanasi who delved into how ancient wisdom can address modern societal and geopolitical crises.

A soul-stirring special address by Ven. Gyaltsen Samten, a prominent Buddhist Nun invoked the moral courage of Buddha’s path, while Ms. Subhadra Desai’s devotional rendition of the Ratana Sutta further imbued the event with serenity and spiritual depth.

1. ‘Comparative Buddhist Art History of India and Vietnam’, which was recently featured at the UN Vesak Day 2025 in Vietnam, where the holy Buddha Relics of Nagarjunakonda is also being exhibited for the month.

2. ‘Life and Teachings of the Buddha’—curated by IBC and covering the landmark events and sites of His life. In addition, documentaries illustrating the spread of the Dhamma across Asia and footage from the sacred relic tours were screened, offering a rich audio-visual experience of the Buddha’s enduring legacy.

The grand finale featured a mesmerizing cultural performance by Guru Alpana Nayak and her troupe, blending classical dance and devotional art to celebrate the spiritual richness of Buddhism.

Cultural Performance (Odissi) by Guru Smt. Alpana Nayak and troupe

Classical Music by Dr. Subhadra Desai (Ratana Sutta)