A committee, formed under the chairmanship of Union Culture Minister Mahesh Sharma, today held a meeting to oversee the plans to celebrate the auspicious occasion of Buddha Poornima on a grand scale on May 21.
The committee for 'International Buddha Poornima Diwas Celebration-2016' also has Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju and MoS for HRD Upendra Kushwaha as co-chairpersons.
"It is proposed to celebrate this auspicious occasion (Buddha Poornima) on a grand scale on May 21 this year. Not only will this help Buddha's timeless teachings to further permeate the Indian consciousness, but will also reaffirm India's historical status in the eyes of the world, especially the comity of Buddhist nations," an official release said.
Buddha Poornima or Vesak marks Gautama Buddha's birth, enlightenment and death.
Speaking at the International Buddha Poornima Diwas Celebration last year here, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had declared that henceforth, Buddha Poornima will occupy a prominent place in the Indian calendar as a National Celebration.
