2570th Buddha Jayanti Celebrated Simply in Lumbini

Butwal. The 2570th Buddha Jayanti was celebrated in Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Gautam Buddha, on the occasion of Buddha Jayanti. This year, Buddha Jayanti was celebrated in a simple manner.

Buddha Jayanti, which is celebrated every year on the full moon day of Baishakh Shukla with various grand programs, was limited to formality this time. In Lumbini, the program was completed by performing a peace puja inside the Mayadevi Temple and meditating for some time, wishing for world peace.

According to Dr. Haridhwoj Rai, Information Officer of Lumbini Development Trust, the program was attended by Speaker Devi Prasad Aryal, Minister of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Khadakraj Poudel, along with some federal and provincial assembly members, and the ambassadors of Sri Lanka and Myanmar.

Why no formal program?

Although in previous years, grand programs were held on the occasion of Buddha Jayanti in the presence of the President and Prime Minister, such a program was not organized this year. Prime Minister Balen Shah postponed the program he was supposed to attend at the last moment. 

The schedule published by Lumbini Development Trust did not even have a slot for giving a speech. 

 In response to Ratopati's question as to why the program, which was grand in previous years, was limited to formality this time, Information Officer Dr. Rai stated that the grand program was not held due to the government's cost-cutting policy and budget constraints. 

He said that the program was made simple this year as inviting a large number of foreign guests would increase expenses.