Metro India News | Hyderabad 

The third Dhamma Padayatra, organised to spread the message of peace, compassion and non-violence taught by Gautama Buddha, began from Siddhartha Buddha Vihara in Kalaburagi, Karnataka, on February 2 and will conclude at Buddhavanam in Nagarjunasagar on March 1. About 100 Buddhist monks from Thailand and India are participating in the 30-day spiritual foot march.

The padayatra was inaugurated on February 1 at Kalaburagi in the presence of prominent religious leaders and social representatives. Those who attended the inaugural ceremony included Sangha Project Director Prof. Sangshak Kovidho from Thailand, Siddhartha Vihara Trust Chairman CH Rahul Kharge, Telangana Labour, Employment and Mines Minister G Vivek Venkataswamy, MCEDS founder Sirilak Patra Prasit, Triratna Bhoomi Society founder Dr Nattakit, Gagan Malik Foundation president Gagan Malik and Ashray Foundation president Siddharth Hettiambire.

Buddhavanam Special Officer Mallepalli Laxmaiah said the padayatra reflects the core Buddhist values of harmony and peaceful coexistence. He said the monks are undertaking the long walk with discipline and spiritual commitment, engaging with people along the route to share the relevance of the Buddha’s teachings in today’s world.

According to the itinerary, the monks halted at Laldhari on February 5 after walking from Maragutti. On February 6, the padayatra will continue from Laldhari after lunch and reach Kappargam by evening, where the participants will halt for the night. The march will then pass through various villages and towns in Karnataka before entering Telangana.

Laxmaiah said the monks are expected to reach the Telangana border on February 10, where they will be formally received before beginning their journey through the State. He said the yatra symbolises collective prayer for peace and said the participants are proceeding with determination and inner strength towards Buddhavanam, carrying a message of universal harmony.

After entering Telangana, the padayatra will travel through Madigi, Buchchinelli, Ekkeli, Lingampalli, Sadasivapet, Sangareddy, Isnapur, BHEL and Kukatpally. The monks will also visit the Buddha statue at Hussain Sagar before reaching Mahabodhi Buddha Vihara at Mahindra Hills in Secunderabad on February 18, where they will stay for a day.

The march will then proceed through Uppal, Turkayamjal, Ibrahimpatnam, Yacharam, Mall, Chintapalli, Kondamallepalli, Angadipet and Peddavura, culminating at Buddhavanam on March 1. On March 2, the monks will visit the Nagarjunakonda Museum, followed by special prayers at Buddhavanam on March 3 seeking peace and wellbeing for the world. The Telangana government has extended full support to the padayatra during its passage through the State.