The Nepal Weekly 
May 9, 2023
Nepal on Friday celebrated 2567th Buddha Jayanti by organizing various programmes. A special programme was organized at Lumbini, the birth place of Gautam Buddha which saw Prime Minister Pushpakamal Dahal “Prachanda” as the chief guest.
It is a matter of pride for the people of Nepal that Nepal is the birthplace of Gautam Buddha, who was respected as the apostle of global peace, remarked president Ramchandra Paudel, in a message. “The message of non-violence and peace propounded by Gautam Buddha would inspire individuals, families, societies, countries and the world for all-round welfare and progress,” he pointed out.
In Kathmandu thousands of people gathered at Swoyambhunath and Bouddhanath stupas early in the morning to pay homage to Lord Buddha. They lit oil lamp, garlanded the Buddha’s idol, offerred prayer and took around the Buddha stupa.
People also recited devotional songs and played traditional musical instruments at different monasteries and bihars in and around Kathmandu on the occasion. Various Buddhist organizations and volutary groups organized health camps, distributed drinking water and soft drinks as also kheer a special kind of meal prepared by mixing rice, milk, sugar and dry fruits to the devotees on the occasion.
Speaking at the programme organized in Lumbini, the birth place of Gautam Buddha, the PM said, “the government is committed towards resolving the instability and adverse economic situation currently surfaced in the country.”
“Buddha has inspired millions of people to move on the path of solidarity and communal harmony,” he pointed out. On the occasion PM said that the government is committed to developing Lumbini
as per the master plan envisioned four years ago as per the concept of the Buddhist circuit and promote all the religious sites linked to the life of Buddha including Ramgram.
Prime Minister Prachanda on the occasion also observed the Asthu Dhatu, remains, of Buddha gifted by Sri Lanka recently, which will be open for the general public in Lumbini now onward.
