Northeast desk, 23rd May: The General Officer Commanding (GOC) and All Ranks of the Trishakti Corps have extended their heartfelt greetings and best wishes to the people of Sikkim on the auspicious occasion of Saga Dawa. Celebrated annually on the 15th day of the fourth month of the Northern Buddhist Calendar, Saga Dawa is a deeply significant festival commemorating the birth, enlightenment, and Mahaparinirvana (passing away) of Buddha Shakyamuni.
In a tweet, the Trishakti Corps expressed, “GOC and All Ranks Trishakti Corps extend greetings and best wishes to the people of Sikkim on the occasion of Saga Dawa. May this festival bring peace and happiness amongst all.”
Saga Dawa, regarded as the most sacred Buddhist festival, saw hundreds of devotees in Gangtok participating in a sacred procession. The event was marked by the chanting of religious prayers by Buddhist monks and the rhythmic beating of drums, as people observed the traditional festivities with reverence and devotion.
This festival holds immense significance for Tibetan Buddhists, as it honors the three pivotal events in Lord Buddha’s life – his birth, enlightenment, and passing away into Nirvana, also known as the Triple Blessed Day. These milestones, which occurred in different years of Buddha’s life, are commemorated with great fervor.
Devotees gathered at Tsuk-La-Khang monastery and various other monastic centers to offer prayers and light incense, seeking blessings and spiritual fulfillment. The month of Saga Dawa is believed to amplify the merits of good deeds, with offerings made to religious orders and alms given to the less fortunate.
Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang also joined in the celebration, extending his heartfelt greetings to the people on Buddha Purnima, synonymous with Saga Dawa. In a Facebook post, he emphasized the festival’s role in fostering unity, harmony, and a deeper understanding of Lord Buddha’s teachings among the people of Sikkim.
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