Buddha Jayanti today: Government declares public holiday

KATHMANDU: The 2568th birth anniversary of Siddhartha Gautam, who is known to the world as the harbinger of peace, is being celebrated today by worshiping, adoring and preaching the Buddha.

Buddha Jayanti is celebrated annually on the full moon day of the month of Baisakh.

This festival honors the contributions of Siddhartha Gautam to the establishment of world peace.

Buddha Jayanti is observed with deep reverence and devotion by Buddhists in Nepal and around the globe, as Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and Mahaparinirvana (death) all occurred on the same full moon day of Baisakh.

This year, the 2568th Buddha Jayanti is being celebrated across the nation with hopes for peace, reflecting on the timeless messages of non-violence, peace, and friendship delivered by Lord Gautam Buddha.

Buddhist devotees observe traditional rituals and ceremonies conducted by lamas and Buddhist monks at stupas, monasteries, and temples.

The government has also called upon the public to light lamps at home in the evening to mark the occasion of Buddha Jayanti.

Traditionally, various events are organized at significant sites such as Lumbini, Swayambhu, and Bouddha to celebrate Buddha Jayanti.

Siddhartha Gautam was born in 563 BCE, 2568 years ago, in the Lumbini Garden of Rupandehi District to King Suddhodana and Queen Mayadevi on the full moon day of Baisakh.

In honor of Buddha Jayanti and Ubhauli festival, the government has declared a public holiday today.