64th Mahaparinirvan Diwas

On December 6^th 2019, the country observed the 64^th Mahaparinirvan Diwas. The day marks the death anniversary of Dr. B R Ambedkar, who passed away in 1956. Ambedkar is considered as the ‘Father of the Indian Constitution’ or the ‘Chief Architect of the Constitution’ in recognition of his role in framing the Indian Constitution. He is a noted follower of Buddhism and is considered a Buddhist Guru by his followers. When he converted to the Buddhist faith, his 500,000 followers accompanied him. His remains were cremated at the Chaitya Bhoomi, which is in Dadar Chowpatty in Mumbai.

Parinirvan is considered a goal in Buddhism. It is a Sanskrit term meaning ‘nirvana after death’. The original use of the term Mahaparinirvan refers to the death of Buddha at his 80^th age. The original Mahaparinirvan is also known as the Mahaparinibbana Sutta.