Bodh Gaya, 27th April: In a moving tribute to the victims of the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Buddhist monks at the sacred Mahabodhi Mahavihara in Bodh Gaya, India, held a candlelight vigil on Friday evening, praying for peace and healing.
The vigil comes after the deadly assault in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam on April 22, 2025, where five militants opened fire on Hindu pilgrims in the Baisaran Valley, killing 26 and injuring more than 20 others. The attack has been widely condemned across India and internationally.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of innocent lives. Through prayer and meditation, we send compassion to the victims and their families,” said Venerable Bhante Anand, a senior monk at the Mahabodhi Temple, speaking to local media during the vigil.
Monks lit hundreds of candles around the temple, with many residents and tourists joining in the silent tribute. "Terrorism can never defeat the spirit of humanity. Our gathering today is a message of hope and resilience," said Sita Devi, a local schoolteacher who participated in the event.
The Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is considered one of the holiest places for Buddhists worldwide, making Friday's tribute even more symbolic.
Nationwide Outpouring of Grief and Solidarity
Beyond Bodh Gaya, various parts of India responded with gestures of peace and mourning. Tripura University in the northeastern state of Tripura organized a peace rally condemning the Pahalgam attack. Students and faculty, led by Vice-Chancellor Professor Ganga Prasad Prasain, marched across the campus carrying banners that read "Stop Violence, Spread Peace."
"We must not allow hatred to divide us. The spirit of India is unity and tolerance," Professor Prasain told reporters.
In Maharashtra, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde paid tribute to Syed Adil Hussain Shah, a local Muslim man who was killed while heroically trying to save the tourists during the attack. "Syed Adil Hussain Shah's bravery shines as a beacon of humanity amid darkness," Shinde said, announcing financial assistance of ₹5 lakh (approximately $6,000 USD) to Shah’s bereaved family.
Global Condemnation
The attack has drawn sharp international criticism as well, with several nations urging for swift justice and stronger measures to ensure the safety of civilians in conflict-affected regions.
At the vigil in Bodh Gaya, prayers were offered not just for the victims but also for an end to all forms of violence. "May wisdom and compassion overcome hatred everywhere," Venerable Anand added, closing the ceremony
