Saga Dawa in Gangtok

GANGTOK, 04 June: Devotees, students and monks came together in the Bhumkor procession taken out by the Yargay Association of Tathangchen [YAT] from Tharpa Manilakhang in Tathangchen on the occasion of Saga Dawa today.
Saga Dawa is considered to be a triple-blessed festival because on this day Lord Buddha was born, attained Enlightenment and Nirvana as well.
The procession began at around 9 AM from Tharpa Manilakhang with Lord Buddha’s statue along with holy books, scriptures and flags carried by devotees and students. A banner with the message “Practice, Wisdom and Compassion for Realization of Enlightenment” led the procession across town.
Covering Kazi Road, Tibet Road, MLA Hostel, TNA gate, Ridge Road, the procession finally concluded back at the starting point. Before the procession began, holy books were recited and prayers were conducted at the Tharpa Manilakhang. The public lined up along the way taking blessings from the holy books and scriptures carried around mostly by students while some also went under the Buddha’s statue.
YAT executive members expressed their gratitude to devotees, students and different organizations of Gangtok for actively taking part in the procession.
YAT general secretary, Karma Denzongpa informed that this is the third consecutive year that YAT is organizing this procession on the occasion of Saga Dawa. He further informed that prayers and recitation of holy scriptures had started at Tharpa Manilakhang from 03 June itself which was followed by the procession today.