Mahaparinirvan Diwas
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Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar’s death anniversary on December 6th is observed as Mahaparinirvan Diwas. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the father of the Indian Constitution passed away on December 6, 1956, and the day is observed as Mahaparinirvan Diwas to pay tribute to him. He was a prominent educationist, financial expert, political dissident, and social reformer of India. It is also a day to celebrate his remarkable life and legacy.
The Mahaparinirvan Diwas symbolically signifies nirvana after death. The definition of nirvana is total freedom from want and death. Babasaheb was regarded as a Buddhist guru due to efforts to eradicate the social scourge of untouchability in India.
What is ‘Mahaparinirvan’ day
Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar was a Buddhist teacher, hence the term ‘Mahaparinirvana’ has been used in the Buddhist concept for his death anniversary. As per Buddhist tradition, ‘Parinirvana’ refers to someone who has attained nirvana in his lifetime and after death.
Lakhs of people from all over India visit his samadhi at Chaityabhoomi in Mumbai from 1 December on the occasion of Mahaparinirvan Diwas. Several Bhima followers gather and pay homage to the urn and statue of Ambedkar kept in the Chaityabhoomi Stupa. On this day Ambedkarites from across India and the world pay homage in front of his statue.
Significance
Mahaparinirvan Diwas is also an occasion to remember the Dalit Buddhist Movement. In the country, Dr. Ambedkar’s contribution to the nation was immense. The Dalit Buddhists’ movement was a fruitful one and today, the day is celebrated with great joy. If you are celebrating this day, remember that he is a great hero and has contributed to the formation of the Indian constitution.
The day is dedicated to Dr. BR Ambedkar, who fought for the rights of all Indians and longed for equality. Besides being a great inspiration, Dr. Ambedkar’s MahaParinirvan commemorates his legacy by encouraging the next generation to fight for justice and equality.
Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar’s birthday is also celebrated on this day. This is the day to honor the great Indian lawyer, politician, and economist, who fought for the freedom of the Dalit community. In India, this is an occasion to mark his memory and to show your support for his work. You can celebrate the Mahaparinirvan Diwas by participating in the celebration.
Mahaparinirvan Diwas signifies an equal society that B R Ambedkar had visualized for India.
Suggested Read: Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar Quotes
Celebration
The day is widely observed in the political and social circles of India. Several commemoratory events are held throughout the country in memory of Dr. Ambedkar. Special events are held at Chaitya Bhoomi in Mumbai, Maharashtra where he was cremated. Programs are held at various Ambedkar Chairs, Ambedkar Bhawans, and Ambedkar Parks. Five important places associated with Babasaheb’s life are termed Panchteerth. A documentary film was produced by Dr. Ambedkar Foundation, featuring the importance of these 5 places.
The day is celebrated in many ways, but most importantly, the Buddha’s death is considered a defining moment in the history of Buddhism. Every year, thousands of people converge at Chaityabhoomi in central Mumbai, where Ambedkar’s last rites were performed, to pay homage to the chief architect of the Constitution on his death anniversary from all over Maharashtra and other parts of the country. A variety of conferences, workshops, exhibitions, lectures, seminars, symposiums, and fairs based on the life as well as the mission of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar are held.
Celebrating Mahaparinirvan Diwas makes us as well as the future generation about the works of Babasaheb. The more we know about him the more we start respecting him.
Suggested Read: Ambedkar Jayanti