Kathmandu, 12 May: On the occasion of Buddha Jayanti today, the government has declared a public holiday across the country. Grand preparations have been made in Lumbini, the spiritual center of faith for Buddhists around the world, to celebrate Buddha Jayanti. The Mayadevi Temple premises, the sacred Pushkarini Pond, and the surrounding areas have been beautifully decorated with colorful lights. Various Buddhist stupas and monasteries have also been adorned in an attractive manner.
The Lumbini Development Trust had launched a special cleanliness campaign targeting Buddha Jayanti, as a result of which the Lumbini area now looks clean and beautiful. Special worship ceremonies, prayers, and a peace rally have been organized in Lumbini today. According to Dhundiraj Bhattarai, a member of the publicity committee, the main event will be inaugurated by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.
Buddha was the initiator of a ‘revolution of peaceful thought’: Chairman Prachanda
Chairman of the CPN (Maoist Centre), Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’, has said that the teachings of Lord Gautam Buddha, conveyed through his actions, continue to inspire us today to build a prosperous, inclusive, and just society based on justice, equality, and inclusion.
In his message on the occasion of Gautam Buddha’s birth anniversary, he stated that revolution and peace are not contradictory but rather complementary to social transformation, emphasizing that Buddha’s philosophy has taught us this profound lesson.
The message reads: “On the occasion of the 2569th birth anniversary of Gautam Buddha, the harbinger of peace, national luminary, and the pioneer of Buddhist philosophy, I extend heartfelt wishes for happiness, peace, and prosperity to all Nepali brothers and sisters, both at home and abroad, as well as to all followers of Buddhism.”
He further remarked that Buddha Jayanti is not merely a religious or cultural celebration, but also a historically significant moment of rebellion against the status quo, a call for social transformation, and an inspiration for peaceful revolution.
Crowds of Buddhists gathered in the Swayambhunath area; Buddha’s relics were displayed for public veneration
From early morning today, large crowds of Buddhists and the general public have gathered at Swayambhunath, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On the occasion of Buddha Jayanti, special worship ceremonies are being held at the Buddha Temple located at the Swayambhu Mahachaitya.
High-ranking government officials, Buddhist spiritual leaders, monks, heads and representatives of diplomatic missions, and distinguished guests from various countries are scheduled to participate in the rituals at Swayambhu today.
According to Bhikshu Dharmamurti, Chairperson of the Swayambhu Management and Conservation Committee, the relics of Buddha have been placed at the Anandakuti Monastery within the Swayambhunath complex for public veneration and worship. These sacred relics are traditionally displayed for public viewing only on the day of Buddha Jayanti.
In the afternoon, a public Buddhist assembly is scheduled to take place. Additional events in the Swayambhunath area include various worship rituals, a blood donation drive, and distribution of blessed offerings (prasad).
