Kendrapada: Hundreds gathered at the ancient Buddhist site of Udayagiri in Jajpur district on Monday to celebrate Buddha Purnima, marking the birth anniversary of Lord Buddha with prayers, peace processions, and cultural programmes.Speaking at the celebration, Jajpur MP Rabindra Narayan Behera announced ambitious development plans for the region’s “diamond triangle” of Buddhist sites— Ratnagiri, Udayagiri, and Lalitagiri. “The govt will soon construct an airport, museum, and Puspagiri University to attract more international tourists,” said Behera.The MP also advocated for Unesco World Heritage status for these sites, noting that India currently has 35 World Heritage Sites, including three Buddhist monuments at Nalanda, Mahabodhi Temple Complex and Sanchi.Buddhist scholar Prakash Nayak highlighted the historical significance of Udayagiri, also known as “Sunrise Hill”.Located on the Birupa riverbank, the 325.49-acre site features colossal rock cut Buddhist images and a step well. The Archaeological Survey of India has protected the site since 1937 and conducted extensive excavations between 1985-1989 and 1997-2003.Dr. Arundhati Devi of Sovaniya Skishya Ashram emphasised the celebration’s broader purpose. “We aim to popularise Buddhist ideologies of peace and solidarity globally,” she said. The ashram’s students presented special prayers and dance performances highlighting Buddha’s philosophy.The event featured meditation sessions, chanting, and cultural programmes that reinforced Buddha’s message of non-violence and universal peace. “Lord Buddha taught us that violence can never be stopped by violence. Only non-violence can end it,” Nayak added.The celebration underscored the site’s importance as a centre of Buddhist heritage and its potential as a major tourist destination, while promoting messages of peace, harmony, and brotherhood across cultural boundaries.