Nagpur: On the sacred occasion of Ashok Vijaya Dashami, celebrated as Dhammachakra Pravartan Din, Deekshabhoomi, the historic site of Buddhist significance, was bathed in serenity and festivity as it welcomed a multitude of followers of neo-Buddhism from all corners of the country.
The streets surrounding Deekshabhoomi in West Nagpur reverberated with the footsteps of devotees who arrived in large numbers to pay their respects and celebrate this momentous day. The journey began at the break of dawn on Monday, as Ambedkarites from various parts of India converged on the city.
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21 April 2025
They marched towards Deekshabhoomi, proudly holding the emblematic Panchsheela flag that symbolizes peace and unity. Acts of kindness, such as offering water, accommodation, and sustenance, flowed as spontaneously as devotion, reflecting the spirit of brotherhood that characterizes this annual pilgrimage.
The Stupa at Deekshabhoomi, which houses the ashes of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, stood as a solemn focal point for the gathering. Buddhist devotees, from the curious to the devout, came to pay their respects to the great leader, reaffirming their commitment to his teachings.
The Bodhi tree, a symbol of enlightenment and an integral part of the Deekshabhoomi landscape, was a sight to behold. It was adorned with enchanting lighting, casting a radiant glow over the hallowed grounds of Babasaheb Ambedkar College’s Deekshabhoomi area, creating a serene and mesmerizing atmosphere for the day’s events.
In a remarkable international gesture, Japanese followers of Buddhism also undertook Dhammadiksha at Deekshabhoomi. Bhadanta Arya Nagarjuna Surei Sasai, a revered Buddhist monk, initiated the Buddhist Dhamma for hundreds of disciples, including 12 devotees who had travelled from Japan to participate in this profound ceremony. This unique convergence of Buddhist traditions and the international participation of Japanese disciples added a global dimension to the celebrations, emphasizing the universal appeal and relevance of the teachings of Lord Buddha.
The Ashok Vijaya Dashami celebration at Deekshabhoomi served as a testament to the enduring legacy of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar and the profound impact of his conversion to Buddhism. It was a day of unity, spirituality, and cultural richness, where devotees from all walks of life came together to commemorate and embrace the principles of peace, compassion, and enlightenment.
To ensure the smooth flow of traffic and prevent congestion in the vicinity, the Nagpur traffic police devised a comprehensive masterplan. This plan includes special provisions to address potential traffic issues arising from the recent bridge collapse at Panchsheel Chowk and another incident near the University Library in Ramdaspeth.
To effectively manage the traffic inflow and outflow around Deekshabhoomi, eight key roads in the area have been temporarily closed. The closure aimed to divert traffic and prevent congestion in the vicinity during the Dhammachakra Pravartan Din celebrations.
NMC’s Health Department set up a medical aid centre comprising doctors, nurses and pharmacists who were on duty 24/7 along with an ambulance service on roads near Deekshabhoomi.
