International Tipitaka Chanting Ceremony 2025 in Bodhgaya

International Tipitaka Chanting Ceremony in Bodhgaya

Seventeen Buddhist organizations from across India have joined forces for the first time to collectively organize the 20th Annual International Tipitaka Chanting Ceremony in Bodhgaya, marking a historic moment for Buddhist tourism in the region. This sacred gathering promises to be one of the most significant spiritual events of the year, bringing together thousands of monks, nuns, and devotees from across the globe.

Key Highlights of The Event

Grand Opening Procession: December 2 will feature a grand Buddhist procession at 8:00 am, showcasing the unity and devotion of Buddhist communities worldwide.
Ten Days of Chanting: The Pali Canon will be chanted under the sacred Bodhi Tree, where Buddha attained enlightenment over 2,500 years ago.
Evening Programs: Dhamma talks will be conducted in Hindi and English, making the teachings accessible to diverse audiences.
Cultural Performances: The International Buddhist Confederation will sponsor a cultural group to perform on the opening day.
Commemorative Walk: On December 13, a commemorative walk retracing the Buddha's footsteps from Jethian Valley to the Bamboo Grove of Venuvana in Rajgir will take place, with over 1,000 participants expected.
Community Meals: A 30,000 square foot food tent will be erected on the Kalachakra grounds where meals will be offered to all participants.

Event Details You Need to Know?

The International Tipitaka Chanting Ceremony 2025 dates are set from December 2 to 13, 2025, at the UNESCO World Heritage Mahabodhi Temple complex in Bihar. Over 20,000 Sangha members and laypeople from across the world are expected to attend, including participants from Thailand, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Indonesia, Nepal, Bangladesh, and the United States.

The event, held annually since 2006, reaches its 20th edition this year with unprecedented scale and unity. The ceremony is organized by the International Tipitaka Chanting Committee of India in partnership with the International Buddhist Confederation and the Ministry of Culture, with support from the Light of Buddha Dharma Foundation International.

What Makes This Year Special?

The Tipitaka Chanting Ceremony has always been a significant event for Buddhist pilgrimage, but 2025 brings something extraordinary. The ceremony will feature daily recitations of the Buddha's teachings in Pali under the Bodhi Tree, discourses by Buddhist Dhamma gurus, question-and-answer sessions, an art gallery, and cultural performances by artists from India and abroad.

A major highlight includes the consecration and donation of 220 four-foot golden Buddha statues handcrafted in Odisha. These statues will be distributed to communities across India, symbolizing the spiritual awakening of Buddha Dhamma in its sacred homeland.

Plan Your Journey Around This Event

Attending the International Tripitaka Chanting Ceremony offers travellers a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in Buddhist spirituality while exploring Bihar's rich heritage circuit. The neighbouring towns of Rajgir and Vaishali have rich Buddhist historical connections, making them perfect additions to your itinerary.

Rajgir, where the commemorative walk concludes on December 13, holds immense significance as the site where Buddha delivered many sermons. The ancient Bamboo Grove of Venuvana and the Griddhakuta Hill in Rajgir are must-visit spots for anyone on a Buddhist pilgrimage. Vaishali, another nearby destination, is where Buddha preached his final sermon and announced his approaching nirvana.

The International Tripitaka Chanting Ceremony serves as an ideal starting point for a broader exploration of India's Buddhist heritage, allowing travellers to witness living traditions while discovering ancient sites that shaped Buddhism's evolution. The comfortable December weather makes it a perfect time to journey through these historically significant locations.