KATHMANDU, Aug. 15: Panchadan a festival of five summer gifts which is considered as a special event in the Buddhism began here from Wednesday.
The Buddhist priests visited the monasteries at Doka Bahal, Dabahi, Kwabahal, Gambahal, Nagal, and Makhan Bahal and received offerings (wheat grains, rice grains , salt , money and fruit among others) made by devotees during the festival today.
The event was organised by different Buddhist organizations.On the occasion, Minister for Environment, Science and Technology Dr Keshab Man Shakya said the Panchadan is a special occasion in the Buddhism and be developed as a ´festival of offerings´.
Dr Milan Ratna Shakya, Chief of the TU Central Department of Buddhist Studies, said the festival is believed to begin with the monastic tradition.
Similarly, Prof Dr Surendra Bir Bajracharya was also present on the occasion and highlighted the importance of festival.