On the invitation of the Government of Pakistan, a 34-member delegation, led by Most Ven Kanumuldeniye Chandavimala Mahanayaka Thera, comprising senior Monks/Religious Scholars, Government Officials and pilgrims left for Pakistan last week to attend the Vesak Festival at Taxila hosted by the Government of Pakistan for the second consecutive time from May 21 to 24.
Acting High Commissioner of Pakistan Dr. Sarfraz Ahmed Khan Sipra and other officials of the High Commission of Pakistan were present to send -off the delegation at the Bandaranaike International Airport.
Pakistan has been the cradle of Buddhist and Gandhara civilization for well over 22 centuries. Buddhism left a monumental and rich legacy of art and architecture in Pakistan.
Despite the vagaries of centuries, the Gandhara region preserved a lot of the heritage in art and craft.
The Gandhara civilization flourished in the north-western region of Pakistan from 6th Century BC to the 5th Century AD.
The territory of Gandhara civilization and its heritage is a triangular piece of land about 100 kilometers east to west, and 70 kilometers north to south, on the west side of the Indus River, surrounded by mountains, in present day Pakistan.
The Gandhara School of Art is credited as being the first creator of Lord Buddha in human form carved in stone, stucco, terracotta and bronze.
These were mostly enshrined in monasteries and stupas throughout the Gandhara region.
A major portion of this invaluable heritage has been preserved in the museums and sacred sites at their original locations.