The performances of internationally acclaimed flautist Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia and other renowned classical artists ensured a perfect ending to the three-day Amaravati Buddhist Heritage Festival, Global Shanti hosted by the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Authority.
Pandit Chaurasia, along with percussionists Pandit Subhankar Banerjee and Bhawani Shankar flautist Debopriya Chatterjee, gave a mesmerising performance with his bansuri bamboo flute for nearly 40 minutes non-stop rejoicing the gathering of monks and locals.
Later, the Carnatic vocal concert by Shanmukapriya and Haripriya, popularly known as Priya Sisters, enthralled the audience, particularly the senior citizens, who visited the festival at PWD Grounds.
The other performances include recital of Heart Sutra, famous Buddhist Scriptures by students of Maitreya School, Bodhgaya and Cham dance performance by Buddhist monks.
Speaking during the closing ceremony, Bhikku Rahul Ratna of Bangladesh Monastery called upon the officials of AP Tourism to organise the festival annually.
“We are happy to Not many people know that Andhra Pradesh has rich Buddhist heritage,” he said and lauded the efforts of the State government in protecting and promoting the Buddhist heritage sites.
The event set a world record on Sunday with the participation of over 45,000 people from across the globe via the Internet in the Viswa Santhi prayer, the organisers said. The participants chanted the Santhi mantra from their respective locations. During the three days, over four million people viewed the festival proceedings via the Internet.
Thousands of people visited the venue during the three days and experienced the culture, cuisine and handicrafts of Buddhists.
Deputy Speaker Mandali Buddha Prasad, local MLA Bonda Umamaheswara Rao, Andhra Pradesh Tourism Authority CEO Himanshu Shukla, Cultural Centre of Vijayawada and Amaravati CEO Emani Sivanagi Reddy and others were present.
