April 5, 2025, marks Ashoka Jayanti, a day dedicated to remembering Emperor Ashoka, one of the most transformative rulers in Indian history. While the occasion is primarily observed in Bihar, it carries significant importance for Buddhists and Ambedkarite movements, intertwining Ashoka’s legacy with the themes of Buddhist revival and social justice.
Ashoka Jayanti honors the birth of Ashoka, who reigned over the Mauryan Empire from 268 BCE to 232 BCE. Known for his shift from a conqueror to a proponent of peace, Ashoka’s life story is one of profound transformation. His embrace of Buddhism after the bloody Kalinga War, where tens of thousands died, marked a dramatic turn in his rule. This pivot toward non-violence, tolerance, and ethical governance laid the foundation for his enduring legacy.
This year, the commemoration takes on added significance as it coincides with ongoing protests in Bodh Gaya, Bihar. Buddhist followers are rallying for greater autonomy in managing the Mahabodhi Mahavihar, a UNESCO World Heritage site, which Ashoka helped elevate by constructing a temple marking the Buddha’s enlightenment. These protests reflect Ashoka’s commitment to Buddhist empowerment and religious sovereignty.
Who Was Ashoka?
Born in 304 BCE in Pataliputra (modern-day Patna, Bihar), Ashoka was the son of Emperor Bindusara and is often remembered as one of India’s greatest rulers. He expanded the Mauryan Empire to its greatest extent, covering regions from Afghanistan to Bangladesh. His reign is marked by numerous military conquests, but the Kalinga War became the turning point in his life. The aftermath of this war, which caused immense suffering, led Ashoka to renounce violence and adopt Buddhism.
Ashoka’s transformation from a ruthless king to a peaceful leader is documented in his Edicts—inscriptions found on rocks and pillars across his empire. These edicts, which emphasized principles like non-violence (ahimsa), religious tolerance, and social harmony, became a defining aspect of his rule. He also worked to spread Buddhism, sending missionaries to far-reaching places like Sri Lanka.
Despite the historical significance of his reign, the exact date of Ashoka’s birth is not definitively known. However, Bihar has declared April 14 as the official Ashoka Jayanti, aligning it with the birth anniversary of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, a champion of social justice and Buddhism in modern India.
A Global Celebration of Ashoka’s Legacy
Ashoka’s legacy continues to resonate across the globe. In January 2024, the Secretary-General of the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), Shartse Khensur Jangchup Choeden Rinpoche, attended the foundation stone-laying ceremony of the Ashokan Pillar at the sacred Rajaguru Sri Subhuti Wasakaduwa Mahaviharaya in Sri Lanka’s Western Province. This significant event marked the completion of the first-ever Ashokan Pillar in Sri Lanka, further strengthening the bond between the global Buddhist community and Ashoka’s transformative influence. The foundation stone was laid by Mr. Santosh Dha, the High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, and the venerable Changchup Chowdhury Rinpoche, the Secretary General of IBC. This pillar represents the enduring legacy of Ashoka’s promotion of Buddhism and religious unity.
To continue building upon this important engagement, IBC has also appointed Dr. Damenda Porage, a distinguished Sri Lankan scholar specializing in both Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism, as the Deputy Secretary General of the IBC. This initiative reflects a continued effort to foster deeper ties and strengthen the shared Buddhist heritage between Sri Lanka and the broader global Buddhist community.
Ashoka Jayanti: A Celebration of Peace, Tolerance, and Unity
The significance of Ashoka Jayanti goes beyond mere historical commemoration. It stands as a symbol of peace, compassion, and ethical governance. Ashoka’s remarkable journey—from a military conqueror to a promoter of non-violence—offers a powerful lesson in redemption and leadership.
For Buddhists, this day also celebrates Ashoka’s crucial role in elevating Buddhism from a regional faith to a global religion. His patronage of the Buddha’s teachings and the establishment of monastic communities helped spread Buddhism far beyond India.
In contemporary India, Ashoka’s message of unity and tolerance remains relevant. His declaration that “all men are my children” underscores a vision of inclusive governance that resonates in today’s diverse society. Ashoka Jayanti serves as a reminder of these timeless values, particularly for followers of Buddhism and Ambedkarite movements, who continue to draw inspiration from his contributions to social justice and religious freedom.
Ashoka Jayanti is not just a remembrance of a historic ruler, but a celebration of his transformative impact on the world. Whether it is the peaceful governance he championed, his promotion of Buddhism, or his commitment to religious tolerance, Ashoka’s legacy continues to inspire people across the globe.