Indore: With growing migrants from other states, inter-caste marriages and exploring ways of teaching, Buddhism is growing among youngsters and even seniors in the city. Buddhism is the world’s fourth-largest religion with over 520 million followers, or over 7% of the global population, known as Buddhists. However, it has stayed a minority in Indore for several decades. With growing followers, formal and informal meets of Buddhists to chant and spread awareness is becoming a tradition in many households. However, these are small meet-ups instead of grand celebrations.
Celebrating the birth, enlightenment (Buddha-hood), and death (Parinirv?na) of Gautama Buddha in the Theravada or southern tradition, various groups of people will seek enlightenment on Buddha Purnima in the city on Friday. For all the spiritual seekers, Buddha Purnima is one of the most auspicious days to re-align themselves with life energies. “Buddhism encompasses a variety of traditions, beliefs and spiritual practices largely based on original teachings attributed to the Buddha and resulting interpreted philosophies,” businessman Neelesh Ramteke said. He explained that Buddhism is a ‘state’ more than a religion. “It is a state of lasting, unconditional happiness known as enlightenment,” Ramteke said.