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For centuries Bodhgaya has been the pilgrimage center for Buddhists. Buddhism has flourished from this ancient city and spread throughout the world. Buddhism can be explored through its beautiful monasteries, sculpture, paintings and its colorful festivals. One such festival is Buddha Mahotsava, Bodhgaya. The places of Bodhgaya, Rajgir, and Sarnath are important places connected with Buddhism since they are associated with the life of Gautam Buddha. In 1998 to promote religious and cultural tourism, the Ministry of Tourism of the Indian government along with the governments of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh launched the annual festival Buddha Mahotsava, Bodhgaya. Though it is celebrated at Bodhgaya but other places are also part of the festival. The first Buddha Mahotsava took place in 1998.The reason for celebrating at Bodhgaya for the first time was to celebrate its status as a World Heritage Site. You can see colorful procession with chanting of the hymns. The festival includes heritage show on tribes, jewellery and costumes, fireworks' shows, flower shows, and exhibitions. Buddha Mahotsava, Bodhgaya also has different cultural troupes from the north-eastern states as well as from other countries. During the festival in 1999 the national museum in Patna brought relics of the Buddha. One can reflect on the message of peace and non -violence, compassion by participating in the traditional worshipping to world peace prayer, offering alms to the monks from different countries. There is also an apparel show with five colors of white, blue, green, red and yellow with the theme of Buddhism. Along with visiting the Buddha Mahotsava, Bodhgaya you can also visit the footprints of Buddha. Another beautiful place to take a break from the Mahotasava is to spend some peaceful time at the Meditation Park. It has peaceful spots with small meditation huts, congregational halls and wide pavilions. Buddha Mahotsava is also celebrated in the state of Uttar Pradesh in December in many cities. So, don't miss this colorful festival when you come here.
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