The sacred Deekshabhoomi, which bears witness to Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar’s historic Dhamma revolution, resonated with chants of ‘Buddham Sharanam Gachchhami’ on Sunday as around 3,000 followers embraced Buddhism on the first day of a three-day Dhamma Deeksha ceremony. Organised jointly by the Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Smarak Samiti, Deekshabhoomi, and the All India Bhikkhu Sangh, the ceremony began with Buddha Vandana led by Bhante Arya Nagarjuna Surei Sasai, President of the Deekshabhoomi Smarak Samiti and Dhammasenanayak. Followers from different parts of the country began arriving at the historic site in the morning, creating a spiritually charged atmosphere. Many carried Panchsheel flags and wore blue caps as they gathered to embrace the teachings of Lord Buddha.

 

The Bhikkhu Sangh conducted the initiation ceremonies throughout the day. The process included the acceptance of Trisharan, Panchsheel and the 22 vows associated with Dr Ambedkar’s conversion to Buddhism. Shramaners also participated in the ceremony. By 7 pm, approximately 3,000 people had embraced Buddhism. Following registration, certificates were distributed to the newly initiated followers. Bhante Nagasen, Bhante Pragyabodhi, Bhante Dhammavijay, Bhante Mahanaga, Bhante Kumar Kashyap, Bhante Dhammaprakash, Bhante Nagaprakash, Bhante Naganand, Bhante Dhammapal, Bhante Buddhadeep, Bhante Kushinaga and Bhante Anuttarbodhi were among the prominent members of the Bhikkhu Sangh who participated in the ceremony. Bhante Sasai expressed the expectation that the number of people embracing Buddhism would increase substantially on Monday and Tuesday as more followers arrive for the main Dhammachakra Pravartan Day celebrations at Deekshabhoomi.