Vesak is marked as a very important event in India. There are about 80 million Buddhists living in India. Most of them are in the Maharastra State, Chief Incumbent Mulagandha Kuty Vihara, Saranarth, Varanasi, Ven Dr K. Siri Sumedha Thera said.
There are three Buddhist schools conducted by Indian Maha Bhodhi Society. Buddhist education has contributed to the present Buddhist renaissance of India, the Thera said.
Devapriya Walisinghe Madya Maha Vidyalaya, Maha Bhodhi Balika Maha Vidyalaya and Primary School are the three Buddhist schools in India at Varanasi.
There are about 5,000 pupils in these schools. They learn Pali and Buddhism, the Thera noted.
The school management always organized Perahera programs, Buddhist ceremonies as extra curricular works.
Competitions like oratory and singing are also held. Students belonging to various races are studying together, the Thera said.
Buddhist Theosophical Society Chairman S.P. Weerasekera said the Buddhist Theosophical Society will hold a Vesak ceremony in India with the participation of these schoolchildren.
Author : Priyanka KURUGALA
Source : www.dailynews.lk
