Karmapa presides over Buddha Purnima celebrations

May 11, 2026

On 9th May 2026, Thaye Dorje, His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa, attended the Buddha Purnima Celebration at Gautam Buddha University as the chief guest. The event was held at the International Convention Centre, GBU, and was organized by GBU International students.

The programme commenced with the arrival of the Hon. Vice Chancellor, the chief guest, and distinguished guests, followed by an opening Dharma song performance and an introduction to the significance of Buddha Purnima, the day when the historical Buddha was born, attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree, and passed into parinirvana. Buddha Vandana was performed by representatives of both Theravada and Mahayana traditions.

Several dignitaries addressed the gathering, including Prof. Rajeev Varshney, Dr. Chintala Venkata Sivasai, Prof. Uttam Kumar, Prof. Chander Kumar Singh, and the Hon. Vice Chancellor Prof. Rana Pratap Singh.

Dr. Chintala Venkata Sivasai formally introduced the Chief Guest Karmapa, after which Karmapa delivered the keynote address. His speech emphasized the values of compassion, wisdom, peace, and harmony as taught by Lord Buddha, inspiring the students, faculty members, monks, nuns, and guests present at the celebration.

A Buddha-bathing ceremony was later conducted with the participation of the chief guest, university officials, faculty members, and members of the Buddhist community. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Venerable Thich Tri Minh, followed by tea and refreshments.