CM Nitish Kumar meets Dalai Lama in Bodh Gaya

Bihar’s Chief Minister, Nitish Kumar, visited Bodh Gaya immediately upon returning from Delhi today.

| Updated: 21 December, 2023 5:10 pm IST
CM Nitish Kumar meets Dalai Lama in Bodh Gaya

NEW DELHI: Bihar’s Chief Minister, Nitish Kumar, visited Bodh Gaya immediately upon returning from Delhi today, where he participated in a recent meeting of the Indian coalition. The Chief Minister’s primary agenda during his Bodh Gaya visit was a meeting with the spiritual leader, Dalai Lama, at the Tibetan Buddhist Monastery. Following this meeting, restrictions were promptly imposed on tourists intending to visit the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya.

The Chief Minister’s visit was conducted under tight security measures, reflecting the occasion’s significance. The immediate restriction on tourist entry into the Mahabodhi Temple area was implemented after the possibility of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar visiting the sacred site arose.

READ MORE: 40 day “Chillai Kalan” begins in Kashmir today

Accompanying the Chief Minister on this visit was Bihar’s Agriculture Minister, Kumar Sarvjeet. The security arrangements extended from the airport to the Mahabodhi Temple, with barricades securing both sides of the roads. Substantial deployment of security personnel was observed near the Mahabodhi Temple and the Tibetan Buddhist Monastery. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar reached the Tibetan Buddhist Monastery directly from the airport.

Dalai Lama arrived in Bodh Gaya last week and is scheduled to stay until the first week of January. During this period, many domestic and international pilgrims gathered to attend the Dalai Lama’s teachings at the Kalachakra Grounds, scheduled from December 29 to December 31. Additionally, a special prayer ceremony is planned for January 1 to commemorate the 14th birthday of the revered Buddhist guru.

READ MORE: Kangana Ranaut to contest 2024 polls on BJP ticket? Here’s what we know

The departure date of the Dalai Lama from Gaya is yet to be confirmed. Currently, Bodh Gaya is hosting a three-day international Sangha Forum organized under the guidance of the Dalai Lama. The event was inaugurated on Wednesday, featuring the Dalai Lama sharing insights on Bodhichitta, one of Buddha’s teachings, with his followers.

Also Read Story

Lok Sabha Polls| This is Amit Shah’s go-to spot for pav bhaji

Comedian Shyam Rangeela challenges PM Modi in Varanasi Lok Sabha polls

Election Commission defers Anantnag-Rajouri polls

ECI reports Hindi states’ low voter turnout in Phase 2 elections