Vesak highlights global harmony

Event features traditional rituals, museum tour and ringing of 'Peace Bell'

TAXILA:

A ceremony marking Vesak Day was held on Friday in Taxila, the historic centre of the Gandhara civilisation, showcasing renewed expressions of religious harmony and cultural diplomacy on the international stage.

Organised with the special support of the Punjab government, the event aimed to highlight the ancient teachings of Buddhism and promote a global message of peace, tolerance and fraternity through Pakistan's rich heritage.

A key feature of the ceremony was the participation of distinguished ambassadors from Nepal, Myanmar, Vietnam, Thailand and Sri Lanka. Proceedings formally commenced at the historic Dharmarajika Stupa with traditional Buddhist rituals, where foreign dignitaries and followers offered prayers with deep spiritual devotion, as chants for peace resonated across the site.

The successful organisation of the event was largely attributed to the pivotal role of the Director General of Archaeology Punjab, Zaheer Abbas Malik. Participants widely praised his personal commitment and professional expertise in arranging the ceremony in line with international standards, while preserving the historical significance of Taxila Museum.

Under his leadership, the archaeology team ensured comprehensive arrangements, including museum refurbishment, enhanced security and informative briefings for foreign delegations on Gandhara art and the history of Taxila, thereby projecting a positive image of Pakistan. The event consequently drew notable attention from international media.

During the ceremony, Sri Lanka's High Commissioner, Rear Admiral (Rtd) Fred Senevirathne, MPA Mohsin Ayub, and Thailand's Ambassador Rongvudhi Virabutr toured the Taxila Museum. On the occasion, the dignitaries rang the "Peace Bell", conveying Pakistan's message as a peaceful and secure country committed to countering extremism and upholding respect for all religions.

Ambassadors from participating countries, while expressing their views, thanked the Government of Punjab and the Department of Archaeology for the arrangements.