Oct 12,2024
Dhammachakra Pravartan Din is observed every year on October 14. The day celebrates Dr BR Ambedkar’s conversion to Buddhism renouncing Hinduism. The father of the Indian Constitution along with thousands of his followers had embraced Buddhism on October 14, 1956, at Deekshabhoomi in Nagpur, Maharashtra. Every year the day is celebrated across the country by the followers of Dr Ambedkar to commemorate this momentous event.
While Dhammachakra Pravartan Din and Dussehra are two different events, in most places it is celebrated together. Dr Ambedkar converted to Buddhism on Dussehra or Vijaya Dashmi day in 1956. The day signifies victory over oppression and injustice.
This year Dussehra will be celebrated on Saturday, October 12.
On October 14, 1956, Ambedkar led nearly 4 lakh of his followers to conversion from Hinduism to Buddhism. For many Dalits, this act signified a new spiritual awakening and made a powerful statement opposing the caste system in Hinduism. The place where the ordination ceremony was conducted in Nagpur was later named as Deeksha Bhoomi.
Every year, Deekshabhoomi is thronged by thousands of Buddhists who come to mark this day which reminds everyone of Ambedkar’s legacy and the fight for social justice and equality.
The day is known as a turning point for the Dalit movement in the country. It inspires people to fight against discrimination based on caste, religion and other social factors.