PM Modi to inaugurate Buddha Jayanti celebrations in Delhi today

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate ‘Buddha Jayanti 2018’ celebrations at Delhi's Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium later today. 

President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday extended greetings on the occasion of Buddha Purnima.

"On Buddha Purnima, greetings to fellow citizens and to the global Buddhist community. Lord Buddha`s message of non-violence, love and compassion provides us the strength to work for the welfare of others. May his teachings guide us towards universal fraternity," the President said. 

Modi said: "The teachings of Lord Buddha are extremely relevant in the 21st century. 

"His was a life devoted to alleviating suffering and removing injustice from society. His compassion has endeared him to millions. Buddha Purnima greetings to everyone."

Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu has also extended his greetings to the people of the country on the occasion. 

''I extend my warm greetings and good wishes to the people on the auspicious occasion of ‘Buddha Purnima’, the birthday of Lord Buddha, today. Let us commit ourselves to follow the principles of universal love, compassion and tolerance shown by Lord Buddha,'' he tweeted.  

Buddha Purnima is traditionally celebrated in majority of East Asia to commemorate the birth of Gautam Buddha, who later became the founder of Buddhism.