Dharamsala – Tibetan Buddhists on Sunday celebrated “Saka Dawa,” one of their most important festivals, signifying three stages of Lord Buddha’s life.
Tibetan monks, nuns, tourists and local residents in Dharamsala, headquarters of Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama, flocked to the town’s main Tibetan monastery to celebrate the festival.
The celebration, which began with morning prayers, involved taking oath of the Eight Mahayana precepts, which include not killing any living being, not to steal and not to lie among others.
The festival has a special significance for the followers of Lord Buddha as all three stages of his life are witnessed in the period known as Saka Dawa.
“This has got a very important implication in Tibetan Buddhism and it is connected with Buddhist life. The fourth month of calendar year reflects the death of Mahatma Buddha, the enlightenment and finally the attainment of Nirvana,” said Gompa, a Tibetan Buddhist.
These three events form the key to Buddha’s life and the day therefore is of great significance to the followers of the religion. And, according to the Tibetan calendar, Saka Dawa is celebrated on the 15th day of the 4th lunar month.
On this day, devotees lit lamps, candles and incense sticks before a huge statue of Lord Buddha. They also do pious deeds and distribute food and alms to beggars.
People are also seen donating money and food during this time, as it is believed that good deeds in this month are rewarded 300 folds.
