27 May,2010 07:13 AM IST | | Rocky Thongam
Buddham Sharnam Gacchchami needn't be an unattainable chant anymore. The Buddha Purnima walk around town will bring you close to all things Buddha
The most profound pilgrimages aren't the ones that take you away, but inward. Today, on Buddh Purnima, a motley group of people will walk a meditative mile, rediscovering important Buddhist centres within the city.
The Buddha Purnima Walk is a spiritual quest to mark the birth of Lord Gautam Buddha. You get to visit various nuclei of Buddhist philosophy, where the wisdom and spirit of the faith flourishes.
"It's an endeavour to give Delhiites something which belongs to them. It is theirs, and we want them to experience it," says Himanshu Verma of RedEarthindia, who also coordinates walks related to environment and other social issues.
The journey starts from Dilli Haat around 5 pm in an air-conditioned bus (well, you obviously didn't imagine it to be totally on foot in such seering heat did you?) and will culminate at Buddha Jayanti Smarak Parku00a0-- on the ridge road that houses the gilded Buddha, constructed as a tribute to the Dalai Lama in 1993. The park is holy to Buddhists because it's a sapling from the Bodhi tree in Sri Lanka, which is believed to be taken from the original one in Bihar during the third century by Emperor Ashoka's daughter Sanghamitra.
The participants will explore places like Ladakh Budh Vihar and the Tibetan colony at Majnu Ka Tila. The Ladakh Budh Vihar provides a calm atmosphere for prayers, and the narrow criss-crossing shops and eateries of Majnu Ka Tila will help you soak up Buddhist culture. "I have lived here for more than 40 years, but it is only during the past 2-3 years that I started exploring the hidden facets of Delhi. This is my opportunity to understand my city better," says travel writer and photographer Ajay Jain.u00a0
Wearing white is a prerequisite for attending this walk. "Since it is a religious occasion and a spiritual journey, according to tradition, participants must wear all white," says Verma, "and yes, they shouldn't forget to wear comfortable footwear," he adds.u00a0
The registration fee is Rs 500. "But that is a token fee to cover our cost and no contributions are required for children if they are sharing a seat," he signs off with a beatific, Buddha-like smile.
I have lived here for more than 40 years, but it is only during the past 2-3 years that I started exploring the hidden facets of Delhi. This is my opportunity to understand my city better
-u00a0Ajay Jain, blogger-author-photographer
Buddha Purnima
Buddha Purinma commemorates the birth, enlightenment and Nirvana of Lord Buddha. Buddhists celebrate the day by praying, reciting scriptures and listening to the teachings of Buddha. Followers water and tend Bodhi or peepal trees since Buddha attained enlightenment sitting under it. Alms and vegetarian food are also offered to the needy.
When: Today
Timings: 5 pm to 10.30 pm
Meeting Point: Near Ticket Counter, Dilli Haat, Opp. INA Market
Contact: Himanshu Verma / 41764054 / himanshu@redearthindia.com
