Around 110 Thai monks' peace march welcomed in Bhadravati, reaches Vijasan Buddha cave

The "Shanti Sandesh Dhamma Yatra 2026" was taken out to spread Lord Gautama Buddha's message of peace, compassion, friendship, non-violence, equality and human welfare. When the yatra reached Bhadravati town, people welcomed it with great enthusiasm. About 110 monks from Thailand took part in the international yatra. Their arrival added to the importance of Bhadravati's historic Vijasan Buddha cave.

The yatra began at 6 am on November 5 from the historic Deekshabhoomi in Chandrapur. After a meal and rest at Urjagram (Tadali), the march resumed from the Tadali bridge. The yatra was welcomed at the Buddha Vihar of the Ordnance Factory at Sumthana and at Samrat Ashok Chowk. The march then proceeded towards Bhadravati along the Chandrapur-Nagpur main road.

On reaching Bhadravati town, the yatra was welcomed near the Balasaheb Thackeray entrance gate. Bhadant Dnyanjyoti and his monks' sangha also joined the yatra here. Followers of the Buddha's path, lay devotees and ordinary citizens were present at various squares in the town. They welcomed the monks' sangha by showering flowers and raising chants of Buddha Vandana. A garlanding programme was held at the statue of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, after which the yatra reached the historic Vijasan Buddha cave.

Dhamma discourses and religious programmes were held in the presence of the monks' sangha at the cave complex. On the morning of November 6, the sangha completed its charika (pindapata, the alms round). The Dhamma Yatra then left for Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad).

The yatra was organised jointly by the Vijasan Buddha Leni Varshavas Samiti, Samrat Ashok Vachanalaya, Dhammachakra Anuvartan Din Sohala Samiti, Dr Ambedkar Jayanti Utsav Samiti, Jaybhim Panchvidnyan, Dr Ambedkar Youth Club and Samvidhan Nagrik Samvardhan Kruti Samiti. All the Buddha Vihar committees of Bhadravati town also took part in the organising.