LEH DEC 14: The closing ceremony of the International Tripitaka Chanting Ceremony was held today beneath the Sacred Bodhi Tree at the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodhgaya. The Governor of Bihar, Arif Mohammad Khan, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.
Ven. Bhikkhu Sanghasena, Founder President of the Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre, Leh Ladakh, and President of the International Tripitaka Chanting Council – India, warmly welcomed the Governor. The Governor was accompanied by Ven. Bhikkhu Sanghasena, Wangmo Dixey, and other ITCC India members to the inner sanctum of the Mahabodhi Temple, where he offered prayers.
In his address, Ven. Bhikkhu Sanghasena welcomed all participants and offered a brief background of the International Tripitaka Chanting Council. Established nearly two decades ago under the blessings of Revered Tarthang Tulku Rinpoche together with his daughter, Wangmo Dixey, the ITCC has played a vital role in reviving the ancient tradition of collective Pali chanting at the very seat of the Buddha’s Enlightenment.
Each year, it brings together thousands of monks, nuns and lay practitioners from many countries to celebrate the shared heritage of the Buddha Dhamma, strengthen spiritual friendships, and promote peace and harmony across cultures.
He also highlighted that this year’s chanting of the Vinaya Pitaka—one of the eldest and most revered sections of the Tripitaka—was a rare and meaningful opportunity to reflect on the foundations of monastic discipline and purity preserved for more than two millennia.
Ven. Bhikkhu Sanghasena expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all participants, volunteers, donors, partner organizations and the various civil and temple administrations whose dedication and cooperation ensured the success of this year’s ceremony.
He noted that the coming together of seventeen major Buddhist institutions under ITCC India marked a historic milestone and demonstrated the strength of unity within the Buddhist community.
The Governor delivered an uplifting address, reflecting on the enduring relevance of the Buddha’s teachings in today’s world. He emphasized the Buddha’s universal message of compassion, non-violence and wisdom as guiding values for a peaceful global society.
The Governor also commended the efforts of ITCC India, the monastic communities, and the many volunteers who worked tirelessly to make the ceremony possible.
For the past three days leading to the closing ceremony, a cultural troupe from Ladakh led by Tsewang Paljor presented traditional Ladakhi performances, adding colour, warmth and a vibrant cultural dimension to the gathering.
