International Buddhist Conference 2026 Kushinagar: International Buddhist Conference 2026 has started in Kushinagar. Buddhist monks, scholars and policy-makers from many countries are participating in this three-day long program. Lord Buddha’s message of peace and compassion is being discussed in the conference.
Efforts to give the message of peace and compassion to the world have once again started from Kushinagar in Uttar Pradesh. The International Buddhist Conference 2026 started from Tuesday in Kushinagar, the place of Mahaparinirvana of Lord Buddha. In this three-day conference, which will run from March 31 to April 2, Buddhist monks, saints, scholars, policy-makers and youth from many countries including India have gathered on one platform. Here the life of Lord Buddha, his teachings and their relevance in today’s global environment are being discussed in detail.
The conference started with chanting of mantras.
This international conference started with chanting of mantras on 31st March at Mahaparinirvan Temple of Kushinagar. The program was started by Minister of State (Independent Charge) Dinesh Pratap Singh by lighting the lamp. On this occasion, Kushinagar District Magistrate Mahendra Singh Tanwar welcomed the guests from India and abroad. ‘Buddha Life Gallery’ was also inaugurated during the programme. Dr. Pankaj Vashishtha, Associate Professor of RIS, in his address said that in today’s time, Buddhist philosophy is very relevant not only at the spiritual but also at the social and global level. A short film on the topic ‘Buddha Kushinagar’ was also shown in the conference, which was highly appreciated by the attendees.
Also read: Threat to Iran, warning to allies… Trump’s new statement creates stir in the world
Buddha’s message amidst increasing tension in the world
Uttar Pradesh Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh said that today when there is an atmosphere of conflict and instability in many parts of the world, Lord Buddha’s message of peace and compassion becomes very important. He said that this international conference organized in Kushinagar is an important initiative towards strengthening coexistence, dialogue and mutual understanding in the world.
Creative expression of students on ‘Dhamma, Samvad and Vikas’
After the inauguration ceremony, a student painting competition on the theme ‘Dhamma, Dialogue and Development’ was organized in Shanti Upvan. A large number of students participated in this competition and creatively presented Buddhist ideas and values through their artworks. The message of peace, compassion and humanity was clearly visible in the children’s paintings.
Serious discussion on ‘Buddhism from the monks’ point of view’
The theme of the first academic session of the conference was ‘Buddhism from the Monks’ Perspective’. During this period, scholars and monks expressed their views on the spiritual and practical aspects of Buddhist philosophy. After this, in the session organized on the topic ‘Buddhist-Jain Samagam’, the historical relations, similarities of both the religions and their relevance in today’s time were discussed.
In the third session, Mukesh Meshram, Additional Chief Secretary, Animal Husbandry Department of Uttar Pradesh Government, gave the keynote address. He gave detailed information on the Buddhist sites, cultural heritage and tourism possibilities of the state.
Experts from many countries expressed their views
A panel discussion on the topic ‘Buddhism: Dhamma, Dialogue and Development’ was also organized on the first day of the conference. Experts from South Korea, Laos, Japan and India participated in this discussion. Speakers said that Buddhist ideology can still play an important role in maintaining peace and balance in the world.
These important topics will be discussed on the second day
Many important sessions will be organized on the second day of the conference i.e. 1st April. These include topics like ‘Developed Kushinagar 2047: The way forward’, ‘Possibilities of making Kushinagar a food processing industry hub’ and ‘Investment opportunities’. Along with this, there will also be student debate competition, academic session on tourism education and panel discussion on ‘Mahaparinirvan Heritage Corridor’. Under the cultural programs, Bhojpuri Night will also be organized with the performance of famous singer Ritesh Pandey.
March will take place for world peace on the third day
On the third day of the conference, topics like ‘Relevance of Buddha in times of war’ and ‘Five-year Dhamma based vision for Kushinagar’ will be discussed. At the end of the program, candle offering and peace march will be taken out to give the message of world peace. The conference will conclude with a musical presentation by Padmashree singer Kailash Kher.
Uttar Pradesh is becoming a big center of Buddhist tourism
Additional Chief Secretary of Tourism, Culture and Charitable Affairs Department, Amrit Abhijat said that Uttar Pradesh is rapidly making its strong identity on the international Buddhist tourism map. He said that six major sites associated with Lord Buddha — Kushinagar, Sarnath, Shravasti, Sankisa, Kapilvastu and Kaushambi — are located in this state. This is the reason why Buddhist devotees from all over the world like to start their ‘Bodhi Yatra’ from Uttar Pradesh.
Artists participated in the cultural evening
The first day of the International Buddhist Conference concluded with a grand cultural programme. Famous singers Amlesh Shukla and Amit Anjan colored the atmosphere in spiritual colors with their melodious performances. Other artists also made the program memorable with their performances.
Also read: Made to remove clothes before midnight, then made to sit in puja… You will be shocked to hear the ordeal of Kanpur bride