Buddhist monks hosted an international peace festival in India.

Thousands of devotees from different countries gathered to celebrate the 20th Annual International Tipitaka Chanting Ceremony at the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodhgaya, Bihar.

Footage shows worshippers from 20 different groups taking part in a procession along the streets, with other groups chanting prayers as they head to the Mahabodhi Temple, where Prince Siddhartha Gautama is believed to have attained enlightenment.

Local media reported that more than 20,000 devotees, including 10,000 monks and nuns from 22 countries, participated in the religious event.

The organisation said that the gathering signifies an important moment for Buddhist heritage and inter-community collaboration within the country's diverse Buddhist landscape.

The festival will run for 10 days, from December 2 to December 12.

The ceremony centres on the recitation of the Tipitaka, or 'Three Baskets', the primary scripture collection of Theravada Buddhism, which contains the earliest preserved teachings in Pali.

This ancient practice of oral chanting serves both as an act of spiritual devotion and as a means of preserving the Dharma. Participants believe that the merit generated from this practice contributes to global harmony and the well-being of all beings.

Buddhism is a spiritual tradition that originated in ancient India around 2,500 years ago. It was founded by Siddhartha Gautama, known as the Buddha, meaning 'the awakened one'.