The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi addressed the ceremony in celebration of International Abhidhamma Divas and recognition of Pali as a classical language at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi on 17 October 2024.
- The International Abhidhamma Divas celebration was organized by the Government of India and International Buddhist Confederation.
- It witnessed the participation of academicians and monks from 14 countries and a significant number of young experts on Buddha Dhamma from various Universities across India.
- Shri Modi said an international airport was started in Kushinagar, India International Centre for Buddhist Culture and Heritage was being built in Lumbini, Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar Chair for Buddhist Studies in the Buddhist University in Lumbini was established along with ongoing development projects in many places like Bodh Gaya, Shravasti, Kapilvastu, Sanchi, Satna and Rewa.
About Abhidhamma Divas
- Abhidhamma Divas commemorates the descent of Lord Buddha from the celestial realm of the thirty-three divine beings (Tavatimsa-devaloka) to Sankassiya, known today as Sankisa Basantapur in the Farrukhabad district of Uttar Pradesh.
- The significance of this location is underscored by the presence of the Asokan Elephant Pillar, an enduring marker of this historic event.
- According to Pali texts, Buddha preached the Abhidhamma first to the gods of the Tavatimsa heaven, who were headed by his mother.
- After having returned to earth again, he conveyed the message to his disciple Sariputta. This auspicious day coincides with the end of the (first) rainy retreat and the Pavarana festival.
Pali as a classical language
- The recent recognition of Pali as a classical language enhances the significance of this year’s Abhidhamma Divas celebrations as Lord Buddha’s teachings on Abhidhamma are originally available in Pali language.
- Recently, Pali, in which Lord Buddha gave his sermons has been recognised and accorded the status of Classical language by the Government of India.
