The three-day celebration commenced on 15 September 2026 with an Inter-School Contest organized for local school students. The programme provided young participants with an opportunity to demonstrate their talents through various academic and creative activities, including drawing, essay writing and devotional presentations on Buddhist themes. The competitions were designed to encourage students to learn about Buddhist values and to understand the remarkable contribution of Anagarika Dharmapala to Buddhist revival, education, social service and cultural preservation.
On 16 September 2026, the celebrations continued with activities centred on compassion, generosity and humanitarian service. A traditional Kheer Distribution Programme was organized in the morning, providing nutritious kheer to devotees and members of the local community. This was followed by Maha Sangha Dana, during which alms were respectfully offered to venerable Buddhist monks representing various monasteries and Buddhist institutions in and around Buddhagaya. As part of the Society’s continuing commitment to social welfare, dry ration packages containing essential food items were also distributed among underprivileged families in the surrounding areas, reflecting the compassionate spirit of the Buddha’s teachings.
The final day, 17 September 2026, featured the principal commemoration programme, including a Dhamma Sabha and Cultural Programme. Local school students presented traditional cultural performances and devotional items, adding colour and vitality to the occasion while promoting Buddhist values and India’s rich cultural heritage. The Dhamma Sabha was attended by distinguished administrators, scholars, spiritual leaders, members of the Maha Sangha, institutional representatives and a large gathering of devotees. The programme was graced by Dr. Safina A. N. (IAS), Divisional Commissioner, Magadh Division, Bihar, as Chief Guest; Dr. Anil Kumar, Director, Bihar Heritage Development Society and Professor, Visva-Bharati, Santiniketan, as Guest of Honour; and Shri Sanjay Kumar, Retired Superintendent of Police (Intelligence), Uttar Pradesh, as Special Guest.
The gathering reflected on the enduring relevance of Anagarika Dharmapala’s vision, particularly his dedication to the preservation of Buddhist heritage, the revival of sacred Buddhist places in India, the promotion of education and the cultivation of moral values among younger generations. The celebrations also highlighted the continuing role of the Maha Bodhi Society of India in promoting the Buddha Dhamma, supporting humanitarian activities, encouraging education and fostering harmony and goodwill among people. The three-day programme concluded with the transference of merit and blessings of the Venerable Maha Sangha, dedicating the merits accumulated through the religious, charitable and cultural activities for the peace, happiness and welfare of all beings.
