Bodh Gaya (Bihar), Jan 1 : Thousands of Buddhists monks converged at Bodh Gaya to beg alms as a mark of promoting and spreading the message of universal peace.

Thousands of Buddhist monks led by the seventeenth Karmapa were seen begging for food and alms from the commoners in the town.

According to the Buddhist monks the event was performed to revive the age-old tradition of seeking alms, which was followed by Lord Buddha himself.

"Like Lord Buddha begged for alms and food for his living, we want to revive the age-old tradition. Lord Buddha used to perform holy rituals and go out begging to make a connection with the common people. So, we want to follow the footsteps of Lord Buddha," said Bikhu Ananda, a Buddhist monk. (ANI)