LAHORE: The central ceremony of Vesak Day 2026 was held in Taxila with deep religious reverence and strong international participation, highlighting interfaith harmony and Pakistan’s rich Buddhist heritage.
On the directions of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, Provincial Minister for Minorities Affairs Ramesh Singh Arora hosted the event, while Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Aurangzeb Khichi attended as the chief guest.
Religious rituals were performed at the Dharmarajika Stupa where international monks led special prayers. The main ceremony at Taxila Museum was attended by diplomats and delegates from Sri Lanka, Thailand, Nepal, Myanmar, and Vietnam, underscoring the global significance of Pakistan’s Buddhist legacy.
As a symbol of peace, a ceremonial bell was rung and white doves were released, conveying a universal message of harmony, tolerance, and coexistence. Special sessions were also conducted to promote Buddhist heritage.
Addressing the ceremony, Ramesh Singh Arora stated that Vesak Day is a sacred occasion for Buddhists worldwide and represents not only a festival but a shared message of peace, tolerance, and humanity. He emphasized that Taxila and the Dharmarajika Stupa stand as enduring symbols of Pakistan’s historic Buddhist heritage, of which the country is a proud custodian.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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