Buddha Carika inaugurated on Buddha Purnima in Jakarta

To lead the buddha purnima celebrations in a grand way, an exhibition titled “Buddha Carika – In the footsteps of Shakyamuni Buddha” was inaugurated in Jakarta on 4th May 2015.

The exhibition, which is based on the teachings and life of Lord Buddha, was held at the prestigious National Museum of Jakarta.

The exhibition was inaugurated in presence of Dr Dinopati Djalal, former Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs; H.E. Mr. Gurjit Singh, Ambassador of India to Indonesia and Timor Leste; Intan Mardiana, Director, National Museum; Cailadi, Secretary of Directorate General of Buddhist Affairs, Ministry of Religious Affairs and Listyowati, Director, Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Ambassadors and diplomats of foreign Missions stationed in Jakarta, senior Indonesian dignitaries and people from different walks of life were also present.

Speaking on the occasion Intan Mardiana, Director, said that India and Indonesia have centuries old association. She expressed her happiness that National Museum is hosting a prestigious exhibitions like this. Dr Dinopati Djalal said that relationship with India is important as it is a country which is growing fastest and has successfully launched satellite to Mars.

Ambassador Gurjit Singh informed that the Buddha Carika exhibition is being launched on 4.5.2015 which is being celebrated in India as Buddha Purnima – the birthday of Lord Buddha.

The teachers and students of Jawaharlal Nehru Indian Cultural Centre (JNICC), Jakarta, and traditional dancers of Kalimantan performed cultural function on the occasion.

Johar Ali, music teacher and ace violin player and music students of JNICC played religious hymns and traditional Indonesian song on the auspicious occasion. Ms. Pooja Bhatnagar and students of Kathak Dance in JNICC performed on the song based on Buddhist holy chants. The folk dancers from Kalimantan impressed everyone with their energetic and raw performance.

The “Buddha Carika – In the Footsteps of Shakyamuni Buddha” exhibition has been designed and composed by Nav Nalanda Vihara University under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India.

Dr R P K Singh and Dr A K Yadav from Nav Nalanda Mahavihara, the curators of the exhibition are helping the visitors in understanding the importance of various artefacts in the exhibition.