Scores of monks participated in the prayers that began under the sacred Bodhi tree, where Gautam Buddha is said to have attained enlightenment on Friday.

“We are offering these prayers for the world peace particularly in the wake of disturbances in various countries including India,” Sonam Dorjee, a monk said.

Buddhist scriptures describe it as the “Navel of the Earth”, and 100,000 pilgrims and tourists visit every year, packing the town of Bodh Gaya and Mahabodhi Temple.