Shanti Stupa At Dhauli Near Bhubaneswar Gears Up For Golden Jubilee Celebration

Bhubaneswar: The Shanti Stupa at Dhauli near Odisha capital is all geared up for its golden jubilee celebration from October 27. The two-day celebration will be attended by Buddhist disciples from across the world.

Minister of Science and Technology, Public Enterprises Ashok Chandra Panda, Chief Secretary Suresh Chandra Mahapatra and Additional Chief Secretary, Odia Language, Literature and Culture Madhusudan Padhi visited the Peace Pagoda on Sunday to look into the progress of the conservation and renovation works being undertaken for the celebration.

The chief secretary discussed with the engineers and officers working at the ground level and also talked to the monk and disciples about quality and present status of the works. Odisha Bridge Construction Corporation (OBCC) and engineers of Works department are inspecting ground level works at each phase.

The major works that have been taken up included examination of the structural stability of the Stupa, structural grouting, micro concreting, marvel flooring, widening and flooring of the front platform, pavement pathway on both sides, landscaping, beautification, anti-carbonation painting and water proofing of the Stupa and lift from ground level to main platform.

Besides peripheral site development like filtered drinking water system, widening of connecting roads, light arrangements and light and sound show have also been undertaken.

Mahapatra directed to complete scheduled works in all respects and make the place ready for golden jubilee celebration within two days.

The monks and disciples present on the spot said two-day celebration has been scheduled for the occasion. A peace march would be taken out from Circuit House and Governer House square to Shanti Stupa on the first day on October 27. Monks and disciples from different countries will take part in the peace march.

On the second day, the puja will start at 9.45 AM. Along with puja, there would be mass peace prayer. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik is scheduled to attend the celebration.