Buddhist fair in Visakhapatnam

Visakhapatnam, Jan 17 (ANI): Buddhist devotees and representatives of various trusts, societies and cultural organisations participated in a grand 'Buddhist Fair' in Visakhapatnam.

Maturi Srinivas, organising member of the fair, said that this is the place where Buddhist monks lived and the fair is organised to celebrate Makar Sankranti.

"It is an auspicious Buddhist place because this is the place where the Buddhist monks lived and they propagated Buddhism to the country. In India, Andhra Pradesh has a special place and in Andhra Pradesh, Visakhapatnam is one of the famous Buddhist ancient places where Buddhism was cherished and propagated here. This is the day where thousands of people come here to commemorate the day of Sankranti and this is the day where all the Buddhists come together to propagate Buddhism," he added.

Khemaacharaathero, a monk said that he prayed for the wellbeing of the mankind and everybody should live happily with peace and harmony.

"All the human beings should live happily with peace. I prayed for world peace. We should work for humanity. We all are one," he added.

Few centuries back the place was the center of Buddhist culture and learning. The name of the village "Sankaram" was derived from the word "Sangharama" which meant monastery.

The place is filled with ancient monolithic sculptures, rock cut caves, ruins of prayer and meditation halls, bricks build structural edifices, resting places on the twin hills of Bojjanna Konda and Lingala Konda. (ANI)