Kathmandu — President Ram Chandra Paudel has received an invitation to attend the upcoming Samyak Mahadan, one of the important Buddhist almsgiving traditions of the Kathmandu Valley.
The Samyak Mahadan Main Ceremony Committee of Kathmandu Metropolitan City extended the invitation to President Paudel during a programme held at Sheetal Niwas on Thursday. Acting Mayor Sunita Dangol formally presented the invitation. Buddhist religious leaders, city representatives and other dignitaries also attended the programme, which featured traditional cultural performances and musical presentations.
Samyak Mahadan is a longstanding Newar Buddhist tradition centred on offerings and religious donations. The ceremony involves bringing together images of Dipankara Buddha and other Buddhist deities, followed by religious rituals, offerings and donations to members of the Buddhist community.
Kathmandu Metropolitan City is preparing to revive the ceremony after it was last held in Kathmandu in 2061 BS, with the initiative aimed at preserving the valley’s intangible cultural heritage and passing the tradition to younger generations. A 301-member main ceremony committee has been formed to coordinate preparations.
According to the planned programme, the Samyak Mahadan activities will take place over two days. The first day will include activities at Hanuman Dhoka, while the main ceremony will be held at Bhui Khel in Swayambhu.
The main Samyak Mahadan ceremony is scheduled for Magh 1, 2083, corresponding to January 15, 2027, at Swayambhu’s Bhui Khel in Kathmandu.
The revival of the ceremony is expected to provide an opportunity for residents and visitors to experience an important part of Kathmandu’s Buddhist heritage while helping preserve the city’s traditional religious and cultural practices.
