Protesters gathered at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on Friday to demand that Buddha Jayanti be declared a complete national holiday. Filmmaker Satya Reddy, who is currently making the Hollywood-Asia crossover project King Buddha, led the call for official recognition. He stated that the movement would soon intensify across the country to raise public awareness.
Satya Reddy, addressing Buddhists, spoke of the historical weight of Buddhism. He noted that nearly twenty-five countries following Buddha’s teachings lead the world in peace and equality. "India too should once again move towards Buddhism," Reddy shared. "That is the true path to peace and development." He also addressed historical narratives, describing Gautama Buddha as a Shakya Simha rather than an ordinary person. Reddy highlighted the tradition of Buddha Deepavali, marking the moment Yashodhara illuminated Kapilavastu to welcome her enlightened husband. He insisted that the true history and philosophy of Buddha must reach future generations.
The official teaser and trailer for King Buddha will be launched at events in Thailand and Malaysia, while major pre-release events are being planned for Delhi and Amaravati. The promotions have been massive. In February, a march known as the World Peace Padayatra covered a 17-kilometer stretch from Hyderabad to Turkayamjal, where the film unit walked alongside the monks. Satya Reddy has been promoting the movie with enthusiasm.
