Over 150 devotees from across the UK gather at Yarnton Village Hall for a two-day celebration of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar’s historic conversion to Buddhism
Oxford, UK (Asian independent) The Buddhist Ambedkarite Maitri Sangh, UK (BAMS UK), together with the Oxford Sri Lankan Community, organised a two-day celebration on 24 and 25 October 2026 at Yarnton Village Hall, near Oxford, to mark the 70th anniversary of Dhamma Deeksha Diwas. It was BAMS UK’s second in-person event of the year.A highlight of the event was the turnout. More than 150 devotees of all ages travelled from different parts of the United Kingdom to take part. Families, students and friends came together, and the broad attendance showed the growing reach of the BAMS UK community.
On the auspicious occasion of Ashoka Vijayadashami, on 14 October 1956 in Nagpur, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar embraced Buddhism, and more than half a million followers took the Dhamma with him. It was one of the largest mass conversions in history. Buddhists around the world now observe the day as Dhamma Deeksha Diwas, also called Dhammachakra Anupravartan Diwas, in remembrance of this movement for equality, dignity and liberation.
Day one: networking and a games night
The celebrations opened on 24 October with an evening of networking, fun and games. Families and students from across the UK met, mixed and shared stories. It also gave the Ambedkarite and Sri Lankan Buddhist communities a chance to get to know one another before the main event.
Day two: the Dhamma Deeksha programme
The main programme began at 09:30 on 25 October and ran into the late evening, with a break for lunch.
The chief guest was Bhante Mahindasiri Thero, a respected Buddhist monk who is popular among the Indian and Sri Lankan communities. He led the morning Dhamma session, which included Buddha Vandana, chanting, Metta meditation and a Dhamma Desana (discourse).
In his discourse, Bhante Mahindasiri explained the Brahma Viharas, the four sublime abodes of loving-kindness (metta), compassion (karuna), sympathetic joy (mudita) and equanimity (upekkha). He told the gathering that every Buddhist should practise them to live rightly and move towards nibbana. The morning session closed with a food offering (dana) to the Buddha, followed by dana to Bhante Mahindasiri Thero.
Cultural programme
After lunch, the event moved to a lively cultural programme.
• The 22 Vows: The 22 vows Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar gave to his followers when he embraced Buddhism at Nagpur were presented, reminding the community of the ethical and social commitments of the conversion.
• Brahmi Lipi workshop: A Pali teacher introduced attendees to the ancient Brahmi script and taught many of them to write their own names in it. Participants of all ages took part.
• Children’s performances: Young participants took part with great enthusiasm and devotion, performing dances, music, songs and speeches.
• Adult performances: Adults presented dances, songs and a skit carrying the message of equality and inclusivity among all human beings.
• Buddhism in daily life: A member of the Oxford Sri Lankan Community gave a presentation on how an individual can practise Buddhism in everyday life.
The programme closed with everyone dancing together to the beat of the music.
Nurturing the next generation
BAMS UK works to pass the values and traditions of Ambedkarite thought and Buddhism on to children. The Dhamma Deeksha celebration gave young and old alike a stage to show their skills, and the children made the most of it. It is a notable achievement that, living in the United Kingdom, these families are instilling in their children the teachings of the Buddha, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, Mahatma Jyotiba Phule and other great social reformers.
BAMS UK also works to build an Ambedkarite and Buddhist social and cultural forum in the UK. Many of its members are doctors, engineers, PhD holders and students who have settled abroad. They remember that Dr. Ambedkar’s struggle opened doors that had been closed to the Bahujan community for centuries. As a mark of their gratitude, and as their responsibility to society, they continue to spread the ideas of Dr. Ambedkar and the other great social reformers.
Sabbe satta sukhi hontu. Bhavatu sabba mangalam!
May all beings be happy. May all be blessed!
