In a radiant convergence of faith, fraternity, and spiritual reflection, the Interfaith Vesak Day was celebrated with solemnity and unity at the historic Fo Guang Shan (FGS) Kolkata Buddhist Temple — the first Buddhist Chinese Temple in India. The sacred occasion brought together religious leaders, diplomats, cultural ambassadors, and peace advocates from diverse traditions to honour the Birth, Enlightenment, and Parinirvana of Lord Buddha, collectively known as Vesak. Jointly organised by the Fo Guang Shan Kolkata Buddhist Temple and the Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA), Kolkata Chapter, and supported by the United Interfaith Foundation – India, the celebration stood as a glowing affirmation of Kolkata’s eternal ethos of interfaith harmony and inclusive spirit. The evening commenced with the traditional welcome and the Bathing of the Baby Buddha, a symbolic act representing the cleansing of one’s mind and heart. This was followed by a warm welcome address from President Lucy Liu of BLIA Kolkata.

Mr. Satnam Singh Ahluwalia, General Secretary of UIFI and Member of the West Bengal Minorities Commission, introduced the distinguished guests and shared a moving reflection on the legacy of the temple.

“When we honour Lord Buddha, we honour the light within every soul. The Fo Guang Shan Temple is more than bricks and mortar — it is a bridge between traditions, a sanctuary for seekers, and a living embodiment of our shared humanity. It is Kolkata’s answer to the world — that peace is possible when hearts unite.”, said Satnam Singh Ahluwalia, General Secretary of UIFI and Member of the West Bengal Minorities Commission

Ven. Bhikkuni Miao Ru, Chief Nun of FGS Kolkata, offered a deeply contemplative insight into the meaning of Vesak and its relevance in today’s fractured world. “To celebrate Vesak is to water the roots of compassion and mindfulness in our collective consciousness,” she shared. “In the heart of this city, the teachings of the Buddha resonate anew — not as ancient chants, but as urgent calls to heal, to listen, and to love.”

The interfaith segment of the programme featured tributes and reflections from leaders for World Peace and Harmony representing multiple faiths — echoing the shared values of peace, compassion, and moral clarity that unite all spiritual traditions. The highlight of the evening was the stirring rendition of “Harmonize”, a spiritual anthem composed by Ven. Master Hsing Yun, the revered founder of the Fo Guang Shan Buddhist monastic order. The song transcended language, gently binding all present in a moment of universal harmony.

In a deeply moving moment during the Interfaith Vesak Day celebration, the Fo Guang Shan Monastic Order bestowed a special Interfaith Honour upon Mr. Satnam Singh Ahluwalia, recognising and celebrating his extraordinary commitment of over 35 years to the cause of Interfaith Peace, Harmony, and Universal Brotherhood.

Among the eminent guests in attendance were: Qari Altafur Rahman (Imam-E-Eidaan), Moulana Syed Zaki Hasan Rizvi (Imam-e-Jumma, Shia Muslim), Ervard Jimmy Taraporwalla (Head Priest, Parsi Fire Temple), Br. Divakar Chaitanya (Head Chinmaya Mission), Swami Achyutananda (International Vedanta Society), Janab Taher Faizalbuoy (Dawoodi Bohra Jamaat), Sister Asmita (Brahmakumari), Munni Mani Kumar Maharaj (Jain Monk), Rev. Dr. Sunil Caleb (Principal, Bishop’s College, CNI Church), and Fr. Franklin Menezes (Pro-Vicar, Cathedral of the Most Holy Rosary), and others.

Also were present were also Jb Nadimul Haq (MP Rajya Sabha), Ahmed Hasan (Ex MP and Chairman West Bengal Minorities Commission) Mr. Xu Wei (Consul General China), Mr. YU Xiong (Deputy Consul General China), Mr. Maxim Kozlov (Consul General of Russia), Jb, among others.

The gathering stood in solemn silence for a One-Minute Prayer for World Peace, followed by the presentation of mementos, a guided tour of the temple, and high tea — all symbols of communion and gratitude.As guests departed, they carried with them not just tokens of appreciation, but a renewed moral compass anchored in the Three Acts of Goodness: Do Good Deeds, Speak Good Words, Think Good Thoughts. The Interfaith Vesak Day 2025 was more than a ceremonial celebration — it was a living prayer, a collective vow, and a shining reminder that in a world of many paths, we can walk side by side in peace.