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The ceremonial inauguration of Vaishakha Buddha Purnima 2025 was held on Thursday at the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi. The event, organised by the Ministry of Culture and the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), was a tribute to Lord Shākyamuni Buddha. 

The ceremony marked the sacred occasion of the Triple Blessed Day, which honours the Buddha’s Birth, Enlightenment, and Mahāparinirvāna. Union Minister for Culture and Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, attended as the Chief Guest and spoke about India’s vital role as the guardian of the world’s Buddhist heritage. Several diplomats and venerable monks also attended the event.

Addressing the event, Shekhawat said that "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." 

Echoing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s global vision, the Minister further highlighted the rich Buddhist heritage, saying, "India continues to actively share and preserve its sacred heritage. In recent years, the Government of India has undertaken initiatives to strengthen global Buddhist ties. One of the most significant efforts has been the exposition of Holy Buddha Relics. These relics—treasures of faith and reverence—have been sent on special tours to countries like Mongolia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam, strengthening spiritual and cultural bonds with our Buddhist brethren abroad."

He shared that these events go beyond just being formal ceremonies as they serve as powerful expressions of cultural diplomacy and spiritual togetherness. "Wherever the relics travel, they evoke devotion, deepen connections, and reaffirm India’s role as the spiritual fountainhead of Buddhism," he added.

He also noted that in the past ten days, over 18 lakh people have come from Vietnam to pay their respects and seek blessings from these revered relics.

Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, emphasised the inclusive relevance of Buddha's teachings. "One need not be Buddhist to follow the Buddha. His wisdom is a guiding light for all, especially in times of turmoil and uncertainty. Buddhism is a philosophy and not a religion," he noted.

Rijiju quoted PM's speech following the recent ceasefire, reminding everyone that India has always shared the message of Buddha with its emphasis on peace, not war. He stressed that while India deeply values and works for peace, it will not hesitate to use its strength—'shakti'—to protect and uphold that peace if any force tries to disturb it.

Abhijit Halder, Director General of the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), praised the Ministry of Culture for its swift and determined action to stop the auction of jewels linked to the sacred Piprahwa relics of the Buddha. He noted that the auction was halted just two days before the items were set to go under the hammer, reflecting the government’s strong commitment to preserving and protecting such priceless heritage. "It was the power and the blessings of the Buddha that prevented the auction," he added.

Buddhist scholars—Geshe Dorji Damdul, Prof. Hira Paul Gang Negi, and Prof. Bimlendra Kumar—participated in a panel discussion on 'Application of Buddha Dhamma in Conflict Resolution'.