TAXILA: Vaisakh Day, also known as Vaishakh Purnima in the South Asian Buddhist tradition, is the night of the full moon in the month of May and is the most sacred day to millions of Buddhists.

According to Buddhist traditions, Gautama Buddha was born on the night of the full moon in the month of May in 564 BC. When he attained the state of nirvana at the age of 35, it was the month of May and the night of the full moon.

Interestingly, when he died at the age of 80, it was still the month of May and the night of the full moon.

About 250,000 years ago, Vaisakh Day was celebrated in Taxila when Ashoka came to Taxila from his capital Magadh. Ashoka, whose empire extended from Burma to Central Asia, was seen as a sort of dervish. He wrote that he was “deeply pained by the killing, dying, and deportation that take place when an unconquered country is conquered.” This is why Ashoka renounced military conquest and other forms of violence, including cruelty to animals. He shared his new outlook on life through edicts carved into stones and pillars located around at pilgrimage sites and along busy trade routes. The edicts are considered among the first examples of writing in Indian history.

In addition to his edicts, Ashoka built stupas, monasteries, and other religious structures at noteworthy Buddhist sites.

To commemorate the day, a celebration was organised by Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC), in collaboration with the Gandhara Resource Centre Pakistan (GRCP), Centre for Culture and Development in collaboration with the Department of Archaeology and Tourism Punjab. Following ceremonial proceedings, the participants proceeded to the Gandhara Art Village Taxila, for an enlightening seminar with a fruitful exchange of ideas and insights.

During the seminar, High Commissioner of Sri Lanka retired vice admiral Mohan Wijewickrama emphasised on the profound importance of the Gandhara heritage of Pakistan for Buddhists around the world. Ambassador of Nepal Tapas Adhikari touched upon the cultural significance of Gandhara for Nepal, as the birthplace of Buddha.

Rana Aftab, managing director of PTDC, expressed his optimism towards the growth of religious tourism in Pakistan.

He said that Pakistan was proud to be the custodian of historic Buddhist relics and monasteries and expressed hope for a strengthening of mutual cooperation and friendship between Pakistan and the Buddhist world.

Addressing participants, Zaildar Ahsan Shah, member advisory board, Pakistan Research Centre for a Community with Shared Future said the event showcased the cultural diversity, religious harmony and immense potential for religious tourism in the country. “Through collaboration and international support, Pakistan aims to preserve and promote its ancient Buddhist legacy, reinforcing its commitment towards fostering global understanding and peace,” he added.

A Pakistani Buddhist from rural Sindh, Munawar Lal addressed the challenges faced by the Buddhist community in Pakistan and emphasised on the need for international support for Buddhist countries.

Published in Dawn, May 8th, 2023