Over 20k Buddhist devotees to attend Tipitaka chanting in Bodh Gaya | Patna News

Gaya: More than 20,000 Buddhist devotees from at least 10 countries are expected to gather at the Unesco World Heritage Site, Mahabodhi Mahavihara, in Bodh Gaya for the 20th International Tipitaka Chanting Ceremony, scheduled from Dec 2 to 12. The event, traditionally organised by countries such as Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, will be hosted this year by India. Monks, nuns, and devotees will recite sutras from the sacred Tipitaka in their respective languages at the religious ceremony.Apart from International Tipitaka Chanting Council, organiser of the event, district administration is also engaged in making the preparations. District magistrate-cum-Bodh Gaya temple management committee (BTMC) chairman Shashank Shubhankar reviewed the ongoing preparations like crowd management, medical facilities, fire safety, traffic management, accommodation facilities and security arrangements.“Ensure proper accommodation arrangements for the devotees from south-east Asian countries at Nyingma monastery, Magadh University, Burmese Vihar, Bangladesh monastery, and other government buildings. Also set up a medical camp with availability of doctor, para medical staff and ambulance at the Kalchakra ground. Apart from the devotees, high-profile dignitaries from various states in India and other countries are also expected to attend,” the DM told officials at a meeting on Tuesday evening.“In case of excess crowd near Kalchakra ground, route of vehicles towards Mahabodhi Mahavihara from node – I and the children park having entry pass will be diverted for convenience of devotees. Get a route map prepared for the event period identifying no-entry points,” he directed Sadar SDO and the traffic DSP.The DM directed City SP Ramanand Kumar Kaushal to get door frame metal detector installed and ensure deployment of police personnel at all the gates of Kalchakra ground so that devotees can enter the ground only after frisking. Devotees will have to show the specific identity card issued by the organisers for entry into Kalachakra ground, he said.The DM has also directed officials concerned to ensure fire safety, cleanliness, proper transportation and other arrangements for the devotees.