A Birthday to Remember: Climbing Rajmandal Chug with Mongyan December 27, 2023 Today was a special day — my nephew Mongyan Chakma turned 9, and there was no better way to celebrate than to take him somewhere neither of us had ever been before. So we set off on a ride to Rajmandal Chug, the highest peak of the Chakma Autonomous District Council. It was our first visit to this stunning corner of the hills, and honestly, no amount of preparation could have readied us for what we saw. As we climbed higher, the roads narrowed and the air grew crisper, and the world below slowly unfolded into a patchwork of green hills and winding rivers. By the time we reached the top, the view was nothing short of breathtaking. Layers of mist drifted lazily over distant ridgelines, and the horizon stretched further than either of us had ever seen. Mongyan stood there wide-eyed, taking it all in — and I have to admit, so was I. The breathtaking view from the peak of Rajmandal Chug There's somethi...
Vesak Day Celebrations at Sadhanagiri Buddha Vihar, New Jognasury Damdep: May 5, 2023 Vesak day, also known as Buddha Purnima or Buddha Jayanti, is one of the most important festivals in Buddhism. It is celebrated by Buddhists around the world to commemorate the birth, enlightenment, and passing away of the Buddha. The festival falls on the full moon day in the month of May, and it is a time of great joy, reflection, and devotion for the followers of Buddhism. The Sadhanagiri Buddha Vihar in New Jognasury (Damdep), located in the Chakma Autonomous District Council, Mizoram, India is one of the many places where Vesak day is celebrated with great enthusiasm. On May 5th, 2023, the monastery held a grand ceremony to mark the occasion, which was attended by more than 200 followers. The celebration began with a colorful rally, which started from the Bazar shed and ended at the Sadhanagiri Buddha Vihar. The participants carried banners and flags with Buddhist symbols and chanted prayers an...