The stage is set for the congregation of Buddhist monks from around the world at the tiny Andhra Pradesh town of Amravati for the Kalachakra coinciding with the 2,550th anniversary of the day Lord Buddha left his earthly abode.
The Dalai Lama will offer the Kalachakra (Wheels of Time) Empowerment for the 30th time in his life.
According to scriptures, Lord Buddha revealed in this town the Buddhist tantric practice, an intricate integration of astrology, physiology and yoga that ultimately lead to enlightenment.
In view of the Maoist presence in the region and inputs from intelligence agencies, the state police have put in place foolproof security arrangements for the prestigious religious meet.
Amravati, cradle of the Mahayana school of thought, will see over 150,000 monks coming from different parts of the globe, including the Far East and South East Asian countries.
The Busshokai Centre of Kanazawa, Japan, is organising the Kalachakra through the Dharmasala-based Norbulingka Institute, in coordination with the state government, which has earmarked Rs 52.64 crore to provide facilities for the pilgrims.
The state government had created Boudha Vanam with replicas of all known stupas at Nagarjunasagar, and Dyana Buddha Centre with a huge statue of Buddha for meditation, to showcase Andhra Pradesh as the most favoured destination for Buddhist pilgrim tourists from across the world, Tourism Minister J Geeta Reddy said, adding that Hollywood celebrity Richard Gere is expected to take part in the meet.