President wishes peace, prosperity on Buddha Jayanti

By A Staff Reporter Kathmandu, May 16:  The nation is marking the 2566th Buddha Jayanti by organising various programmes in Lumbini, the birthplace of the Buddha on Monday. 

On the occasion of the 2566th Buddha Jayanti, President Bidya Devi Bhandari has expressed best wishes for happiness, peace and prosperity to all Nepalis at home and abroad.

She has urged one and all to take the lead in building greater national unity by enhancing the spirit of mutual harmony, tolerance and brotherhood among religious, social and cultural diversity by embracing the timeless teachings and guidance of Gautama Buddha. Since the birth of Gautama Buddha on the Baisakh Shukla Poornima (full moon day of Baisakh) is a triple coincidence of birth of Buddha, attainment of knowledge and Mahaparinirvana, this day is celebrated by the Buddhists around the world as a holy day of reverence and devotion to Gautama Buddha.

"Gautam Buddha guided the entire human civilisation towards peace and non-violence. He has a unique place as a seer who paves the way for the alleviation of human suffering by developing the knowledge gained from the experience and practice of life as a specific philosophy," said President Bhandari. 

According to her, stakeholders need to pay special attention to the proper development and protection of Chaityas, Gumbas, Vihars and Buddhist cultural and archeological sites spread across the country.  Meanwhile, on the occasion of Ubhauli, the great festival of 

Kirant community, President Bhandari expressed best wishes for happiness, peace and prosperity to all Kirants. 

With the onset of summer, Baisakh Shukla Poornima is celebrated as a time of migration as wild animals and livestock migrate from the valley to the mountains.  There is a tradition of worshiping the father and the land in order to celebrate the festival of Ubhauli, to get good crops, stay safe from diseases, droughts, floods and landslides. 

"I would like to express my best wishes that this uplifting festival of the Kirant community will further strengthen the socio-cultural solidarity among all Nepalis and inspire us all to build a prosperous, egalitarian, and civilized society," said President Bhandari.