Guru Rinpoche’s birth anniversary observed

By A Staff Reporter

Kathmandu, Aug. 5: The Bouddhanath Area Development Committee celebrated the birth anniversary of Guru Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) on Monday by organising a grand fair. It was the first time the birth anniversary of Guru Rinpoche was observed by organising an event. 

A few days earlier, the Committee had informed the public about the celebration through a press conference, announcing that the birth anniversary of Guru Rinpoche would be officially marked annually starting this year.

According to Executive Director Mohan Kumar Tamang, worship ceremonies were performed at Mahakal, Trinchuli.

A procession was carried out during the day, followed by a formal programme in the evening, attended by the Badri Prasad Pandey, Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation. 

Guru Rinpoche is widely revered as the second Buddha.

The formal event was inaugurated by Minister Pandey on the Bouddha Maha Mahachaitya premises.

Committee Chairperson Raj Kumar Lama stated that all necessary preparations had been made to celebrate the birth anniversary for the first time, with the aim of promoting both tangible and intangible cultural heritages. He added that nine subcommittees were formed to ensure the event's success.

Additionally, on August 12, the Mahakal Jatra will be celebrated. Lama Gurus, Bajracharya Gurus, and Brahmins will offer worship on the occasion. The Bouddhanath Area Development Committee is organising this Jatra for the first time as well.

On that day, after the worship, the idol of Mahankal will be placed on a palanquin and carried from Mahakal to Ramhiti, passing through Thimchuli, and then returning to Mahankal via Tushaal and Chuchchepati before concluding programme.

Mahankal is depicted in three forms—two-armed, four-armed, and six-armed and is a significant deity in both Hinduism and Buddhism, revered as a fierce protector and a manifestation of Lord Shiva. Important temples dedicated to Mahakal are found throughout Nepal.

Among the three forms, the two-armed Mahankal festival will be organised in the Bouddha area.