Dr BR Ambedkar, along with thousands of his followers, had embraced Buddhism on Dussehra in 1956, at Deekshabhoomi in Nagpur. (Images: PTI/Shutterstock)
Dhammachakra Pravartan Day is celebrated every year in commemoration of Dr BR Ambedkar’s conversion to Buddhism on October 14, 1956, at Deekshabhoomi in Nagpur, Maharashtra.
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.
Why Dhammachakra Pravartan Din is Celebrated on Dussehra?
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.
Dhammachakra Pravartan Din: Dr BR Ambedkar’s Quotes
- “Be Educated, Be Organised and Be Agitated.”
- “I measure the progress of a community by the degree of progress which women have achieved.”
- “Cultivation of mind should be the ultimate aim of human existence.”
- “The caste system is not a religious institution; it is a social institution.”
- “Political tyranny is nothing compared to social tyranny.”
Dhammachakra Pravartan Din Wishes and Messages
- May the sacred teachings of Lord Buddha, reflect goodness in your thoughts and actions. Happy Dhammachakra Pravartan Day!
- On this auspicious day, may we all remember the teachings of Dr BR Ambedkar and follow the path of enlightenment. Happy Dhammachakra Pravartan Din to you and your family.
- On this day, may we remember the values of compassion and justice taught by Lord Buddha.
- May the light of Lord Buddha’s teachings enlighten our paths and inspire us to strive for equality and justice.
- Today we don’t celebrate a conversion, we celebrate a movement towards social justice and human dignity. Happy Dhammachakra Pravartan Din!
Dhammachakra Pravartan Din: History and Significance
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.
