Dhammachakra Pravartan Din 2023: Why it is Celebrated on October 14 and Dussehra?

Dhammachakra Pravartan Din 2023: Dhammachakra Pravartan Din is an annual event in India. On October 14, 1956, the architect of the Indian constitution, Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar and other followers adopted Buddhism after abandoning Hinduism at Deekshabhoomi in Nagpur, Maharashtra.

Dhammachakra Pravartan Din and Dussehra are two different festivals, however, both are often celebrated together. Dr Ambedkar decided to convert to Buddhism on Dussehra, which is a day that symbolizes victory over oppression and injustice. In 2023, The day will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 24.

Dr. Ambedkar accepted the teachings of Buddhism along with an impressive assembly of around 365,000 fervent followers.

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Dhammachakra Pravartan Din: History

The conversion of Dr Ambedkar from Hinduism to Buddhism was a well-considered selection. He wanted to escape the clutches of the oppressive caste system deeply entrenched in Hinduism. This step marks his liberated voice, free from the constraints imposed by the four-fold varna system within Hinduism.

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Why Is Dhammachakra Pravartan Din Celebrated On Dussehra?

Dr BR Ambedkar adopted Buddhism on Vijayadashami – October 14, 1956. Dhammachakra, or Wheel of the Law, is a symbol of Buddhism that describes the teachings of the Buddha. By observing Dhammachakra Pravartan Din on Dussehra, Ambedkarite Buddhists also celebrate the spread of the Buddha’s teachings and the values that they represent.

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Why did Dr. Ambedkar select Buddhism?

Dr Ambedkar decided to quit Hinduism early on and studied other religions to understand which one would be better for him, and finally selected Buddhism. He picked ‘a morally sound religion’. Dr Ambedkar made 22 pledges on the day when he renounced Hinduism.

22 Vows of Dr Ambedkar

1. I shall have no faith in Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwara, nor shall I worship them.
2. I shall have no faith in Rama and Krishna, who are believed to be the incarnations of God, nor shall I worship them.
3. I shall have no faith in Gauri, Ganapati, and other gods and goddesses of Hindus, nor shall I worship them.
4. I do not believe in the incarnation of God.
5. I do not and shall not believe that Lord Buddha was the incarnation of Vishnu.
6. I shall not perform Shraddha, the Hindu ritual for the deceased.
7. I shall not utter the sacred thread, nor shall I wear a thread around my neck.
8. I shall not greet my Guru with the holy Guru Mantra.
9. I shall not show my back to the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha.
10. I shall not participate in idol worship or engage in idol worship.
11. I shall not visit or salute the Hindu temples.
12. I shall not perform any rites and rituals of the Hindu religion.
13. I shall not discriminate or promote discrimination on the grounds of caste.
14. I shall treat all untouchables as equals and promote their welfare.
15. I shall not consume alcohol.
16. I shall lead an honest and chaste life.
17. I shall not steal or engage in dishonest practices.
18. I shall follow the Eightfold Path of Lord Buddha.
19. I shall read and study the Buddha’s teachings.
20. I shall follow the principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity.
21. I shall not accept food or water from any Hindu who practices untouchability.
22. I shall not accept any gifts or alms from Hindus who follow caste-based discrimination.

Dr BR Ambedkar’s Quotes

1. “I measure the progress of a community by the degree of progress which women have achieved.”
2. “I like the religion that teaches liberty, equality, and fraternity.”
3. “Be educated, be organized, and be agitated.”
4. “Cultivation of mind should be the ultimate aim of human existence.”
5. “A great man is different from an eminent one in that he is ready to be the servant of the society.”
6. “Freedom of mind is the real freedom.”
7. “I am proud of my country, India, for having a constitution that enshrines principles of democracy, socialism, and secularism.”
8. “Law and order are the medicine of the body politic, and when the body politic gets sick, medicine must be administered.”
9. “Life should be great, rather than long.”
10. “History shows that where ethics and economics come in conflict, victory is always with economics. Vested interests have never been known to have willingly divested themselves unless there was sufficient force to compel them.”