Buddha Jayanti celebrated with devotion & festivities across Nepal

KATHMANDU: The 2569th Buddha Jayanti is being observed across Nepal today with deep reverence and spiritual fervor.

Marking the birth anniversary of Lord Buddha—an apostle of peace, compassion, and non-violence—the government has declared a public holiday nationwide.

This year, Lumbini, the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama Buddha, is hosting grand celebrations with special preparations.

According to Dhundiraj Bhattarai, Coordinator of the Publicity Committee, the main ceremony will be inaugurated by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.

The Lumbini Development Trust has organized a series of events including special prayers, offerings, and a peace rally in coordination with various stakeholders.

The sacred Mayadevi Temple complex, the holy Pushkarini pond, numerous Buddhist monasteries, and stupas in Lumbini have been beautifully decorated with vibrant lights and flowers.

A major cleanliness campaign has also been conducted, enhancing the serene and pristine environment of the area.

Organizers stated that this year’s Buddha Jayanti aims to convey a powerful message of peace in a world plagued by conflict and unrest. “May Buddha’s teachings inspire today’s turbulent world to follow the path of discipline, tolerance, and compassion,” they expressed.

Thousands of devotees from different parts of Nepal and abroad have arrived in Lumbini to participate in the celebrations.

Special security arrangements have been made to ensure a peaceful and secure environment for all attendees. “All preparations have been completed to allow devotees to celebrate in a calm and safe setting,” said Bhattarai.

The main ceremony is being held at the Lumbini International Buddhist Conference Center.

According to Bhattarai, the estimated budget for this year’s event is around Rs 10 million.