Pune: Buddha Purnima Celebrated with Innovation and Enthusiasm at Pride World City
Lohgaon, 2nd May 2026: On the auspicious occasion of the birth anniversary of Tathagata Gautama Buddha (Vaishakh Purnima), a global symbol of peace and compassion, residents of Pride World City, Charholi, came together in large numbers to participate in a thoughtfully curated program organized by the Prabuddha Vichar Manch. The celebrations featured a complete schedule including a morning group meditation session and an evening of Buddha Vandana and Dhamma discourse.
At 9:00 AM, a collective meditation session was held at the Brooklyn Community Hall, where residents actively participated. Shri P. M. Khobragade delivered an enlightening address. This was followed by a guided meditation session based on the teachings of Goenka Guruji, presented through modern audio-visual media. The session was anchored by Preeti Bhalerao, and attendees later enjoyed refreshments.
In the evening at 6:00 PM, the program continued at the Kingsbury Community Hall. It commenced with Bhante Dhammadhar administering the Trisharan (Three Refuges) and Panchsheel (Five Precepts) to the attendees. Dr. Suresh Kathane, Head of the Health Department, spoke about the significance of Buddha Purnima. This was followed by a Dhamma discourse by Bhante Dhammadhar. The session was hosted by Jayshree Arakh.
The event also included a felicitation ceremony for students who successfully passed their 10th-grade examinations. Children and participants presented Buddha-Bhim songs, adding a cultural dimension to the celebration. The gathering fostered a warm and friendly atmosphere, encouraging social interaction. Attendees partook in *kheer daan* (a traditional offering of sweet dish) and concluded the event with a community meal.
The successful organization of the event was made possible through the dedicated efforts of Prabuddha Vichar Manch members including Suchit Ovhal, Amardeep Kotale, Akshay Kamble, Abhilash Nikose, Rupesh Sonatakke, Ushant Karmankar, Nikhil Bhalerao, Suyog Hire, Satish Padghane, Dr. Vishal Ghorpade, Vishwas Babre, Smit Paikarao, Preeti Bhalerao, Jayshree Arakh, Rajnandini Bhagwat-Kotale, Shital Bhairamdagikar, Vishakha Kotale, Kiran Ovhal, Varsha Davane, Vidya Dhakade, Pragya Jagtap-Kamble, Dr. Smita Ghorpade, Vijaya Bachhav, and other members, whose tireless efforts ensured the event’s success.
