Mahaparinirvana is one of the major goals of Buddhism. It means “Nirvana after death”. The death annivarsary of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, which fall on December 6, is observed as Mahaparinirvana Divas. On this day each year, millions of people throng to Dr. Ambedkar’s Samadhi in Mumbai, which is called Chaitya Bhoomi to pay respect to the chief architect of Indian Constitution.
Dr. Ambedkar converted to Buddhism, after studying the religion for years together, on October 14, 1956 in Nagpur along with 5 lakh supporters. These supporters considered Dr. Ambedkar as their Buddhist leader and guru for his contributions to the eradication of untouchability. Dr. Ambedkar’s death anniversary is therefore observed as Mahaparivirvana Divas.