Bihar Jharkhand Association of North America celebrates Buddha Jayanti

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The Bihar Jharkhand Association of North America (BJANA), a 47 year-old organization based in New Jersey, partnered with the east coast chapter of Bihar Foundation, and the Indian Consulate in New York, to celebrate Buddha Jayanti, May 6, 2023, at the Buddha Vihar in Princeton, NJ.  The event, which commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and passing of Gautam Buddha who attained enlightenment at Bodh Gaya in Bihar, was attended by dignitaries from the consulates of India, Nepal, Vietnam, and Sri Lanka, as well as members of the Indian diaspora from various Indian community organizations, a press release from BJANA said.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar spoke to attendees by a video message, about the teachings and ideals of The Buddha. He also appreciated BJANA’s efforts to preserve the “glorious history, rich cultural heritage, language, and traditions of our region in the USA,” organizers said in the press release.

India’s Consul General in New York Randhir Jaiswal, extended his warmest greetings and best wishes to followers of Buddhism who celebrate Buddha Purnima. He congratulated BJANA and Bihar Foundation for leading the Indian community and people from Nepal, Srilanka, and Vietnam to celebrate Buddha Jayanti together. He emphasized that the teachings of Buddha continue to inspire and guide people today toward a path of peace and harmony.

Nepal’s Consul General Bishnu Prasad Gautam and the Consul General of Vietnam Dinh Phuong Mai, dwelt on Buddha’s enlightenment and his teachings that which they believed, can bring happiness and peace in life.

Anurag Kumar, BJANA president, welcomed attendees and thanked them for coming.

The event started with the parikrama of the Lord Buddha statue and a dance performance by children highlighting Buddha’s teachings.

On behalf of the Federation of Indian Associations, Executive Vice President Dr. Avinash Gupta and FIA Trustee Srujal Parikh congratulated and thanked BJANA, Indian Consulate and Bihar Foundation for hosting Buddha Divas at the Buddha Vihar and bringing various communities together. Alok Kumar, chairman of the Bihar Foundation East Coast Chapter emphasized the importance of teachings from the life of The Buddha and focused on inner peace, kindness, and compassion.

Sanjeev Singh, vice president of BJANA, thanked the executive team, volunteers, and members of the community who helped make the event a success. He also thanked Dr. S. Siddharth, the principal secretary to the chief minister of Bihar, and Kumar Ravi, the commissioner of Patna, for their support in making the event a success.