Former King Gyanendra to participate in prayers at Lumbini today

Butwal, November 22 — Former King Gyanendra Shah is scheduled to visit Lumbini today to participate in the ongoing prayers at the Thai Buddhist Monastery. The ceremony, which began on November 19, aims to pray for world peace and to sanctify the 1,000 Buddha statues established in the monastery.

The monastery's inauguration will be carried out by Federal MP Basudev Ghimire, Dr. Lharkyal Lama, Vice President of the Lumbini Development Trust, and monastery Chief Chhokyai Nima Rinpoche.

Following the inauguration, the former king will participate in the concluding prayers. However, the Lumbini Development Trust has stated that there are no other formal programs involving Gyanendra in Lumbini. He is expected to return to Kathmandu later today after completing the rituals.

According to the Mahayana Buddhist tradition, over 600 practitioners from 12 countries are participating in the ongoing prayers.

The Rupandehi District Police Office has confirmed that there will be no special VIP security arrangements for the former king. However, they plan to deploy police personnel in crowded areas as needed.

The Lumbini Development Trust has assured that Shah’s visit will not disrupt tourism in Lumbini.