Mahaparinirvan Diwas [6th December]

By : Neha Dhyani

Updated : Mar 1, 2023, 14:49

Mahaparinirvan Diwas honours Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar's death anniversary, which falls on 6th December. On that day, millions of people visit Dr Ambedkar's Samadhi in Mumbai (also known as Chaitya Bhoomi) to pay their respects to the Father of the Indian Constitution.

What is Mahaparinirvan Diwas?

'Parinirvana' is a Buddhist term that simply refers to someone who has experienced nirvana both during his lifetime and after death. Because he rejected Hinduism and encouraged the Dalit Buddhist Movement in India, Babasaheb Ambedkar's death anniversary is known as Mahaparinirvan Diwas.

Significance of Mahaparinirvan Diwas

Babasaheb Ambedkar envisioned an equitable society for India, and Mahaparinirvan Diwas represents that vision. Mahaparinirvan Diwas celebrates Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar's work and beliefs, as well as the pivotal role he played in building the country after independence. B.R. Ambedkar, the President of the Constitution Drafting Committee, embraced the Buddhist philosophy and advocated for a society free of the chains of a strict and oppressive caste system.

History of Mahaparinirvan Diwas

  • Babasaheb Ambedkar (also called Bhim Rao Ambedkar and B.R. Ambedkar) is honoured as the Father of the Indian Constitution.
  • Babasaheb Ambedkar was quite close to Lord Buddha in terms of ideas and views.
  • Ambedkar believed that Buddhism was the only way for the Untouchables to attain equality in the caste-constrained Indian society.
  • Because of his significant influence in India in removing the societal evil of untouchability, Ambedkar was considered a kind of Buddhist guru to his followers.
  • On 14th October 1956, Babasaheb Ambedkar and 3,65,000 of his Dalit followers made history when they decided to abandon Hinduism and adopt Buddhism.
  • Unfortunately, Ambedkar did not survive long enough to practice Buddhism and died just two months after his formal conversion.
  • His health began to deteriorate after the illness of 1954, and he was bedridden for a few months.
  • He died on the 6th of December 1956, and his death day is remembered as the Mahaparinirvan Diwas.
  • He finished his book 'The Buddha and His Dhamma three days before he died in Delhi.
  • Ambedkar's supporters and followers considered him as important as Lord Buddha, which is why his death anniversary is marked as Mahaparinirvan Diwas.

☛ Also Read: Current Affairs Today

Mahaparinirvan Diwas Theme

Every year on the 6th December, Maharashtra's Chief Minister, the Governor, the Ministers, and many other politicians pay tribute to Ambedkar in "Chaitya Bhoomi" on the occasion of Mahaparinirvan Diwas. The Maharashtra government has designated Chaitya Bhoomi as an A-class tourism and pilgrimage destination, including a memorial to Bhimrao Ambedkar.

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FAQs on Mahaparinirvan Diwas

Q1. What do you mean by Mahaparinirvan Diwas?

Ans. Mahaparinirvan Diwas honors Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar's death anniversary.

Q2. On which date does Mahaparinirvan Diwas get celebrated?

Ans. Every year on the 6th of December, Mahaparinirvan Diwas is celebrated.

Q3. In whose honour is Mahaparinirvan Diwas celebrated?

Ans. Mahaparinirvan Diwas is celebrated to honor the Father of the Indian Constitution, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar.

Q4. Which government do officials pay their respect to Dr Ambedkar on Mahaparinirvan Diwas?

Ans. Every year on the 6th December, Maharashtra's Chief Minister, the Governor, the Ministers, and many other politicians pay tribute to Dr Ambedkar on Mahaparinirvan Diwas.

Q5. On the occasion of Mahaparinirvan Diwas, where do people gather to pay homage to Babasaheb Ambedkar?

Ans. On the occasion of Mahaparinirvan Diwas, People gather at the cremation place of Babasaheb Ambedkar, Chaitya Bhoomi (Mumbai).