Lumbini In Top Spot

Lumbini's tourism promotion is in the limelight with the New York Times putting this religious destination in the top list of world destinations. The US newspaper has ranked Lumbini in the ninth place among the 52 must-visit destinations worldwide. This ranking, coming just at the beginning of the New Year 2025, hold much significance as it helps promote this destination among aspiring visitors from different parts of the world. In the wake of the negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, Nepal is heading towards gradual recovery of the tourism industry and in this regard, Lumbini's high ranking among the world destinations is a positive development.

 Such a ranking sends positive message to the world which inspires the travel industry to plan things and cater to the clients accordingly. Pilgrims from the countries like China, Japan, Korea and Sri Lanka want to visit Lumbini in large numbers. Interests in Buddhism and for that matter, the birthplace of Buddha, are rising in the western countries as well. Religious conventions and meetings on Buddhism are also organised in Lumbini. Considering this potential, the government and the private sector of Nepal need to develop all the amenities needed for the Lumbini visitors.  

Lumbini, the birthplace of the Buddha, has a distinguished place in the world as a prominent pilgrimage destination. Buddhist pilgrims from around the world put this place top in the list for sacred spiritual journey. Recognised and enlisted by the UNESCO as one of the World Heritage Sites of Nepal, Lumbini has its role to spread Nepal's fame and cultural identity in the world. The Buddha is regarded as the apostle of world peace and a philosophy of life that emphasises compassion, non-violence, tolerance, kindness and following a path to the liberation of all the sufferings of life. This philosophy based on the teachings of the Buddha who spent many years in search of knowledge of life and finally attained enlightenment. 

This prince, who forsook the throne to seek out truth and create new path of peace and tolerance to humanity, was born from Queen Maya Devi in the garden of Lumbini. Born as Siddhartha Gautam more than 2560 years ago, the prince of the Shakya kingdom left behind his royal inheritance and family to leave in pursuit of knowledge that would make him Lord Buddha. Called by some the Light of Asia, the Buddha has become the light of the whole world as the apostle of peace and guide for meaningful life for the entire humanity. For those who follow Buddhism and the philosophy of Buddha or anybody who has keen interest and devotion in Lord Buddha's teachings, a visit to Lumibini is the cherished dream of life. 

Considering the global popularity of Buddhism and the birthplace of Buddha, the government has built and brought into operation the Gautam Buddha International Airport in Bhairahawa. This is a timely move to address the considerable flow of Buddhist pilgrims to Lumbini. Having an opportunity for a direct flight to Lumbini for the pilgrims from around the world can go a long way to flourish religious tourism and hospitality business in the region. However, the hitches seen in the smooth operation of flights to Bhairahawa has raised some concerns for the entrepreneurs and others. Whatever factors are causing these snags, it is imperative to sort out them on time so that international flights can go on in smooth manner.