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4th Edition of Mekong – Ganga Dhamma Yatra to Buddhabhoomi (Patna- Bodhgaya – New Delhi- Gujarat)
The Mekong-Ganga Dhamma Yatra to Buddhabhoomi was led by the Bodhigayā Vijjālaya 980 Institute, Thailand with support from the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) and ICCS. This year’s pilgrimage is themed “From the Mekong River Basin to the Great Ganga”, highlighting the deep cultural and spiritual connections between the civilizations of Southeast Asia and India. The journey covered key Buddhist sites, including Patna, Bodh Gaya, New Delhi, and Gujarat. It aims to promote peace, raise environmental awareness, and foster conflict resolution through the teachings of the Buddha.
The 4th Mekong-Ganga Dhammayatra holds special significance as it commemorates the 97th birth anniversary of King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand, celebrating his legacy and the ongoing efforts to unite nations through the principles of Dhamma.
A Thai delegation from the Bodhigaya Vijjalaya 980 Institute visited the Bihar Museum on 02 Dec, 2024 home to a remarkable collection of artifacts showcasing India’s rich Buddhist heritage. They were warmly welcomed by IBC representatives and the ADG of the museum.
During the visit, the delegation explored sculptures, manuscripts, and exhibits reflecting India-Thailand historical and cultural ties through Buddhism.
The Governor of Bihar welcomed the delegation in Raj Bhawan, Bihar. The Secretary-General of the IBC, Shartse Khensur Rinpoche Jangchup Choeden, stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has declared the 21st century as the Asian Century, with Buddhism playing a central role in fostering regional connections.
In Bodhgaya, a procession from the Wat Thai Temple to the Mahabodhi Temple was held on 5th December 2024. After the procession, under the Bodhi Tree, Dr. Supachai Verapuchong, Secretary-General of BodhiGayā Vijjālaya 980 Institute, expressed that the Prime Minister's vision of a "Century of Dhamma" aligns with his own aspirations, and he is eager to see it realized. He extended a warm welcome to the IBC, ICCS, and their delegations, thanking them for their pilgrimage to India. He also hoped that the IBC's efforts would further strengthen the bond between India and Thailand.
Shartse Khensur Rinpoche Jangchup Choeden, SG, IBC remarked that global discourse has been dominated by Western values, a system that is now showing signs of decline, as evidenced by the inaction of institutions like the United Nations. He emphasized the need for a revolution that would stem from the teachings of Dhamma.
Prof. Dr. Shashi Bala added, "We, the followers of Dhamma, hold the wealth of the world through the message of peace, promoting sustainable development and environmental consciousness. We cannot evade our responsibilities; we must walk the path of Dhamma." She highlighted the announcement of the "Century of Dhamma," envisioned by Prime Minister Modi, as a momentous occasion.
Dr. Supachai announced the Declaration of Dhamma Century based on the following principles.
The Mekong-Ganga Dhamma Yatra to Buddhabhoomi, organized by the Bodhigayā Vijjālaya 980 Institute, Thailand, concluded with a grand function to felicitate the delegation in New Delhi. At the ceremony in IGNCA Building, The SG, IBC extended a warm welcome to the delegates, underscoring the organization’s commitment to following the Dhamma. “We are working to serve the entire humanity,” he said, highlighting the urgent need for Buddhists to actively fulfil their responsibilities in today’s challenging times.
Thailand’s Ambassador to India, Pattarat Hongtong, the Chief Guest at the event, expressed her gratitude to the organizers of the Mekong-Ganga Yatra. She emphasized that the initiative symbolized the enduring ties between India and Thailand.
“As a Buddhist, I deeply appreciate the efforts of all organizations involved in this Yatra. It is a testimony to the strong relationship between our nations,” she said. Highlighting the importance of Dhamma diplomacy, the Ambassador noted that the pilgrimage serves as a significant step toward deepening bilateral cooperation.
Mr. Abhijit Halder, DG, IBC drew parallels between the present-day pilgrimage and Emperor Ashoka’s emissaries sent over 2000 years ago. He remarked on the enduring cultural ties between Thailand and India, citing the overwhelming response to the relic exposition in Thailand.
“The love, devotion, and respect among the Thai people for the sacred relics reflect the golden bond between our nations. The Mekong-Ganga Yatra serves as a bridge connecting the people of Asia, with both rivers having birthed great civilizations. This is an opportunity to deepen our connection with the countries of the Mekong basin,” Halder emphasized.
Dr. Sacchidananda Joshi, Member Secretary of the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), reflected on the resilience and wisdom of the civilizations along the Mekong and Ganga rivers. He proposed the idea of establishing a Mekong-Ganga Museum to celebrate shared heritage and deepen the understanding of historical connections.
“In contemporary times, we draw inspiration from shared traditions. The message of Dhamma is as important today as it was 200 decades ago. Initiatives like the Mekong-Ganga Yatra allow us to rediscover common roots and celebrate the linkages that unite us,” Dr. Joshi stated. He also reaffirmed IGNCA’s dedication to preserving Buddhist knowledge and strengthening ties with Southeast Asian nations.
After the successful event in IGNCA, the Thai delegation paid a visit to the Holy Buddha Relics displayed at the National Museum, New Delhi. The visit was an opportunity for the delegation to pay their respects and deepen their spiritual connection, reflecting the shared cultural and religious heritage between Thailand and India.
Gujarat warmly welcomed the 4th Mekong-Ganga Dhammayatra to Buddhabhoomi: Declaration on Dhamma Century, a sacred journey led by Dr. Supachai Verapuchong. Embracing this historic event, Gujarat celebrated its rich Buddhist heritage while fostering deeper cultural and spiritual ties with Southeast Asia.
The delegation visited Vadnagar, the birthplace of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. During their visit, they explored various Buddhist monasteries in Vadnagar, deepening their connection to India’s rich spiritual heritage. This historic visit marks a pivotal moment in fostering stronger cultural and spiritual ties between India and Southeast Asia. The event also highlighted the declaration of the ‘Dhamma Century,’ paving the way for deeper collaboration and shared heritage across nations.
The visit of the Thai delegation to Prerana School, the educational foundation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was a momentous occasion. This visit not only highlighted the school’s historical importance but also strengthened cultural ties between India and Southeast Asia. It marked an important milestone in the 4th Mekong-Ganga Dhammayatra, deepening the bond between nations through shared history and values.
During the 4th Mekong-Ganga Dhammayatra to Buddhabhoomi, Dr. Supachai Veerapuchong, leader of the delegation, handed over the symbolic time capsule to Hon’ble Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Bhupendrabhai Patel. This historic gesture marks a significant step in strengthening the cultural and spiritual ties between India and South East Asia. The event also featured the signing of a landmark MOU to promote the Buddhist circuit in Thailand, reinforcing our shared Buddhist heritage and solidifying the bond between the two regions for generations to come.
Group Photo with Hon’ble Chief Minister of Gujarat The 3rd edition of Mekong - Ganga Dhammayatra, held in February 2024, saw Shri Rajendra Arlekar, Hon’ble Governor of Bihar, leading a delegation to Thailand, bringing the Holy Relics of Lord Buddha and his disciples, Arhat Mahamoggallana and Arhat Sariputta. Displayed across four provinces of Thailand, the Holy Relics drew immense reverence, with around four million devotees paying homage, strengthening India-Thailand spiritual ties.
This programme is being organized for 12 years. Its purpose is to establish peace and harmony in the world. We are standing on the verge of the third world war. Buddhism has an incomparable contribution to Indian culture. The programme was organized by Bodhigaya Vijjalaya 980 Institute in collaboration with International Center for Cultural Studies (ICCS), International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), Thai Embassy in New Delhi, Indian Embassy in Thailand, Govt. of Bihar, Thai Buddhist Temple at Bodhgaya, and Verapuchong Foundation, Thailand.