This year, Ministry of Culture, Government of India in collaboration with the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), a global Buddhist umbrella organization organised the Virtual Prayer Event with the participation of all the supreme heads of the Buddhist Sanghas from around the world.

Prayer ceremonies on the occasion were streamed live from the Sacred Garden Lumbini, Nepal, Mahabodhi Temple, Bodhgaya, India, Mulgandha Kuti Vihara, Sarnath, India, Parinirvana Stupa, Kushinagar, India, Pirith Chanting from Ruwanweli Maha Seya in the sacred and historic Anuradhapura stupa premises, Sri Lanka, Boudhanath, Swayambhu, Namo Stupa, Nepal apart from other popular Buddhist sites.

In his address Prime Minister Modi noted that Lord Buddha is synonymous with service and dedication. Those who are engaged in the service of humanity at all times, day and night, are the true followers of Lord Buddha. And during the current time of COVID-19 global pandemic we are fortunate to see many people around us, who serve others, treat a patient, feed a poor person, clean a hospital, to maintain law and order on a road, they all working round the clock. Prime Minister Modi stated every such person deserves a salute, a tribute.

Recalling the four truths of Mercy, Compassion, Non-Chalance either in happiness and sorrow, and accepting someone with its all virtues and faults, Prime Minister stated that these truths continue to be the inspiration for India. Speaking about India's approach during the current COVID-19 crisis, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "...India is standing firmly in selflessness, without any distinction, with the person in distress, both in the country and throughout the world."