Taxila, May 5, 2026: The High Commission of Sri Lanka in Islamabad, in collaboration with the diplomatic missions of Nepal, Thailand, Vietnam and Myanmar, organized a commemorative event to mark Vesak Day under the title “Buddha Jayanthi Celebrations 2026.”
Held at the historic Dharmarajika Stupa and the Taxila Museum with the support of the Punjab Archaeology Department, the event symbolized a revival of Pakistan’s ancient Buddhist heritage and highlighted regional cooperation in preserving shared cultural history.
The ceremony reflected a collective commitment to promoting South Asia’s Buddhist legacy. Prominent Buddhist monk Venerable Polpithimukalane Pannasiri Thero traveled from Sri Lanka to attend the event, emphasizing the island nation’s enduring spiritual and historical connection with Taxila, one of the most significant Buddhist centers associated with Emperor Ashoka.
Renowned Thai monk Venerable Phra Anil Sakya Thero also participated in the ceremony, adding further significance to the occasion.
The celebrations were conducted in two phases. The first segment took place at the Dharmarajika Stupa, where traditional Buddhist rituals, including circumambulation around the main stupa, were performed, followed by a Dhamma sermon.
Organizers described the revival of Buddhist chanting and rituals at the ancient site as a historic moment of spiritual and cultural renewal, restoring religious activity to a monument that had remained largely silent for centuries.
The second phase was held at the Taxila Museum in the form of a conference organized with the support of Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Punjab Archaeology Department.
Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Aurangzeb Khan Khichi attended the conference and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to preserving and promoting its Buddhist heritage.
Speakers at the conference highlighted Taxila’s historic role as a major center of learning in the ancient Gandhara civilization and its contribution to the spread of Buddhism across Asia.
The event also featured documentaries showcasing the religious and cultural importance of Buddhist heritage sites in Pakistan, alongside presentations on Lumbini — the birthplace of Buddha and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Pakistani officials reiterated the government’s commitment to safeguarding Buddhist heritage for future generations and emphasized the importance of international collaboration in promoting Pakistan as a destination for religious and cultural tourism.
Punjab Minority Affairs Minister Ramsh Singh Arora attended the conference as guest of honour, alongside senior government officials and foreign dignitaries.
The joint participation of diplomatic missions from Buddhist-majority nations underscored the deep cultural and religious ties shared across the region and highlighted the importance of collective efforts to preserve common heritage while promoting peace, harmony and interfaith understanding.
