KATHMANDU: A grand Dipankara Tathagata Buddha procession and Panchadan (Fivefold Alms Offering) will be held on July 29 (Shrawan 13) in Kathmandu to commemorate the Samyak Mahadan, a sacred Buddhist almsgiving ceremony that is traditionally held every 12 years but has not taken place for the past 24 years.

The event, coinciding with Guru Purnima, will be organized at the premises of Mahabuddha Mahavihar in Ward No. 27 of Kathmandu Metropolitan City. During a preparatory meeting, Acting Mayor Sunita Dangol and Ward Chair Yogesh Kumar Khadgi pledged their support for the successful management of the event.

According to Mahasthavir Sangharatna Shakya of Mahabuddha Mahavihar, 85 Shakya elders (Sthavirs), Thaypas, Dipankara Tathagata Buddhas, and living deities Ganesh and Bhairav from various Mahavihars, Bahas and Bahis across Kathmandu will participate and receive the traditional Panchadan offerings.

The ceremony will begin at 7:00 a.m. with the enthronement of the Dipankara Buddhas, followed by the Panchadan offering from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. At 12:30 p.m., a grand procession will pass through Mahabouddha, Asan, Tyod, Inbahal, Kamalaxmi, Bhotebahal, and conclude at Asan Dabali, where rituals will continue until 7:00 p.m.

Organizers said the event aims to preserve Kathmandu’s rich Buddhist heritage and raise awareness about the importance of the Samyak Mahadan, which was last observed in 2060 B.S. (2003/04). Although the ritual is traditionally held every 12 years at Swayambhu, it has not been conducted for 24 years, prompting this commemorative celebration.