Mahasamund (Chhattisgarh) [India], January 29 (ANI): The Sirpur Heritage Festival 2026 is all set to happen from February 1 to three, 2026, consistent with the celebrations of Maghi Purnima. Organised collectively by the District Administration, Mahasamund, and the Sirpur Special Area Development Authority (SADA), it will likely be held at Sirpur – one among India’s most vital historical Buddhist studying centres, famend for its wealthy cultural, architectural, and non secular heritage.
‘Sirpur occupies a distinguished place in Buddhist historical past. Once a flourishing monastic and mental hub, it’s believed to have hosted greater than 10,000 Buddhist monks at its peak. The celebrated Chinese scholar and pilgrim Xuanzang (Hsuan-Tsang), who visited Sirpur round 630-645 CE, documented the area’s vibrant monasteries, realized students, and dynamic mental life. In his accounts, Xuanzang additionally referred to Acharya Nagarjuna, the good Buddhist thinker related to the Madhyamaka custom, who spent important time in Sirpur and made profound contributions to Buddhist philosophy, significantly the Middle Path (Madhyam Marg) and the idea of Sunyata (Emptiness). These historic references proceed to form Sirpur’s id as a centre of Buddhist thought and observe,’ as per a press launch.
With this legacy at its core, Sirpur Heritage Festival 2026 goals to Establish Sirpur on the nationwide and worldwide cultural map, strengthen its place throughout the international Buddhist Circuit, and promote consciousness of its excellent common worth.
The pageant can be aligned with ongoing efforts to organize Sirpur for nomination as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, highlighting its archaeological significance and residing cultural traditions.
The pageant is being organised on a grand scale with worldwide participation, Delegates from bhutan, South Korea and representatives from Japan are anticipated to attend, reflecting Sirpur’s rising recognition amongst Buddhist communities throughout Asia and past.
Academic Dialogues and Heritage Discourse
Each morning session throughout the pageant will characteristic educational talks and thematic discussions by students, consultants, and practitioners on key topics equivalent to tracing the Buddhist legacy of Chhattisgarh, the philosophy of Madhyam Marg, the idea of Sunyata, the significance of Dhamma in up to date society, ‘stone as storyteller’ in Buddhist structure, and Buddhist visible traditions.
A particular high-level panel dialogue on ‘UNESCO Aspirations for Sirpur’ might be held with eminent dignitaries and heritage consultants, specializing in conservation, international recognition, and sustainable cultural tourism.
Grand Cultural Evenings: Tradition Meets Celebration
The pageant evenings may even showcase a vibrant mix of classical, folks, non secular, and up to date performances. On February 1, the opening night will characteristic Chhattisgarhi folks dances, Kathak, the Tathagat drama, Dhrupad efficiency, displays by college students of Indira Kala Sangeet Vishwavidyalaya, Khairagarh, and a particular efficiency by famend singer Baba Hansraj Raghuvanshi.
The night of February 2 will proceed the cultural celebrations with Sufi non secular music by Ustad Vusat Iqbal Khan of the Delhi Gharana, a Kabir musical night, the Therigatha drama highlighting voices of early Buddhist nuns, and a efficiency by Indian Idol fame singer Hemant Brijwasi.
The pageant will culminate on February 3 with an excellent bigger celebration that includes artists from throughout Chhattisgarh, together with Panthi dance, Danda dance, Bastariya dance, and a grand finale efficiency by in style Bollywood music duo Meet Brothers.
Sirpur Heritage Festival 2026 is envisioned not merely as a cultural occasion, however as a significant convergence of historical past, philosophy, artwork, and residing traditions. By bringing collectively students, artists, non secular thinkers, and guests from India and overseas, the pageant seeks to have fun Sirpur’s timeless legacy whereas paving the best way for its future as a globally recognised centre of Buddhist heritage and cultural trade. (ANI)