Preparations for 2568th Buddha Jayanti celebration ongoing

By Our Correspondent,Rupandehi, May 12: Preparations are underway for the celebration of the 2568th Buddha Jayanti in Lumbini, Rupandehi. The Lumbini Development Trust has made arrangements to mark Buddha Jayanti and Lumbini Day which is celebrated every year on a full moon day of Baishak Shukla Purnima. 

Shyam Rokka, an executive member of the Trust, informed that the Vice-Chairman of Lumbini Development Trust Dr. Lharkyal Lama held meetings with Prime Minister and Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane, formally inviting them to the Buddha Jayanti celebrations.

Sanuraja Shakya, the member secretary of the Trust, said that a 568-member organising committee was formed which is chaired by the Minister of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, Hit Bahadur Tamang, to oversee the organisation of Buddha Jayanti and Lumbini Day. He informed that nine different sub-committees have been formed to celebrate Buddha Jayanti.

On the occasion, the Trust has extended invitations to various dignitaries, including Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda', Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Narayan Kaji Shrestha, Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane, Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, Hit Bahadur Tamang, Lumbini Province Chief, Amik Sherchan, as well as ambassadors from various countries and other distinguished guests.

Buddha Jayanti and Lumbini Day are observed annually on the day of Baisakh Shukla Purnima. The celebrations occur in Tilaurakot, Ramgram, and Devdaha within the greater Lumbini area. Buddha Purnima is celebrated with state honours in Bhutan, Thailand, Myanmar, Mongolia, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Laos, and Nepal. It is respectfully observed in countries such as China, India, and various parts of Europe.

Since 1999, on the special initiative of various Buddhist countries, the United Nations has internationally recognised Buddha Jayanti and designated it as a holiday called 'Baishakh Day' in all its offices worldwide.