Bangkok: The Department of Religious Affairs led a group of monks and Buddhists on a pilgrimage to India and Nepal, exploring significant sites related to the history and origin of Buddhism. The pilgrimage aims to deepen participants' understanding and experience of Buddhism's roots.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Chaipol Suk-iam, Director-General of the Department of Religious Affairs, spearheaded the pilgrimage to four major sites in India and Nepal during the fiscal year 2025. This initiative, supported by the Fund for the Promotion of the Propagation of Buddhism in Honor of His Majesty the King's 80th Birthday Anniversary, selected participants actively involved in various departmental projects. These individuals include Dharma teachers, monks from the Sunday Buddhist Study Center, provincial cultural officials, and others contributing to Buddhism's growth. The pilgrimage sites include Lumbini Garden in Nepal, the Bodhi Tree in Buddha Gaya, India, Isipatana Deer Park in Sarnath, India, and Salavana Grove in Kusinagar, India. The journey aims to help participants engage with Buddhism's foundational principles and enhance their religious knowledge and teaching capabilities.
The pilgrimage project is organized into three groups, involving a total of 200 monks and Buddhists. The first group, comprising 68 individuals, traveled from March 11-18, 2025. The second group, with 66 participants, journeyed from March 14-21, 2025. The final group, also consisting of 66 individuals, embarked on their pilgrimage from March 20-27, 2025.
The 80th Anniversary of His Majesty the King's Birthday Promotion Fund has also established 16 Facilitation Centers across India and Nepal to assist travelers visiting the Four Holy Sites. These centers provide essential travel information and support for monks and Buddhists fulfilling their religious duties. In Nepal, centers include Wat Thai Lumbini and Wat Thai Nigrodharam, while in India, sites such as Wat Thai Kusinara Chalermrat and Wat Thai Buddhagaya offer similar services.
The Fund for the Promotion of the Propagation of Buddhism anticipates that this pilgrimage will strengthen participants' faith and enhance their ability to teach and promote Dhamma principles. The experience is expected to inspire monks and Buddhists to embody and propagate the teachings of Lord Buddha more effectively. The initiative aligns with the government's policy to foster religious institutions' roles in spreading moral teachings, enhancing societal cohesion, and supporting sustainable cultural economic growth.