PM to attend Buddha Jayanti ceremony in Lumbini

By Bhuwan Karki,Rupandehi, May 12: The 2569th Buddha Jayanti is being celebrated grandly in Lumbini. On this occasion, the Lumbini Development Trust (LDT) is organising various programmes from May 11 to 13. 

According to LDT’s Treasurer Dhundiraj Bhattarai (Siddhicharan), a Buddha idol exhibition was held in Kapilvastu on Sunday, along with sports and cultural events in Panditpur, Ramgram and Nawalparasi.

The Mahaparitran chanting has also commenced on the Mayadevi Temple premises. On Monday morning, a prayer assembly, a procession and the main ceremony will be held with the participation of monks, nuns, Lama Gurus and devotees.

Bhattarai also informed that additional Buddha-related programmes are taking place in Kapilvastu and Nawalparasi, along with celebrations in Lumbini.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is scheduled to visit Lumbini on Monday to participate in the main ceremony. Dr. Larkyal Lama, Vice-Chairman of the Lumbini Development Trust, confirmed that the main event will be held in the Prime Minister's presence.

To ensure the grandeur of the celebration, a 569-member main organising committee has been formed under the leadership of Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Badri Prasad Pandey. 

Bhattarai mentioned that the Chief Minister of Lumbini Province and ambassadors from China, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and other countries will attend the event.

A 30-member advisory committee and several subcommittees, covering publicity, security, processions and meal arrangements, have been formed for the efficient management of the event.

Publicity Committee Coordinator Bhattarai emphasised that a special ceremony will commemorate three key events in Lord Buddha’s life: his birth, enlightenment, and Mahaparinirvana, all of which are believed to have occurred on the full moon day of Baishakh. 

Prime Minister Oli, along with federal ministers, the Lumbini Province Chief, the Chief Minister, provincial council members, and diplomats, are expected to participate in the special ceremony.