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BODH GAYA, BIHAR, INDIA - DECEMBER 2: A Buddhist ritual, International Tipitaka Chanting Ceremony was held underneath the most sacred Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, India on Friday (Dec. 2). The festival will last until December 12. The sacred Bodhi tree under which the Buddha is said to have attained enlightenment is located just behind the Maha Bodhi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This year, the ceremony was led by the Vietnam sangha in collaboration with the international Mahasangha. Theravada monks from 11 countries and devotees from nearly 15 countries chanted sections of the Khuddaka Nikaya, a division of the Sutta Pitaka of the Pali Canon, a Theravada scripture. Former President Ram Nath Kovind attended the 17th International Tripitaka Chatting Festival in, worshiped at the world-famous Mahabodhi Temple, Mahavihara temple, Monks and devotees from different countries chanted teachings of Lord Buddha under the sacred Bodhi Tree. The ceremony was sponsored by the Light of Buddhadharma Foundation International (LBDFI) and organized by the International Tipitaka Chanting Council (ITCC). The 10-day program is expected to be attended by 4,000 devotees. (Footage by Sandeep Kumar/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)