To celebrate the 2568th birth anniversary of Gautam Buddha and shared Buddhist heritage between India and Nepal, International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) in collaboration with Embassy of India in Kathmandu, Nepal and Lumbini Development Trust (LDT) organized a series of events in Lumbini, Nepal the birth place of Gautam Buddha on 22 & 23 May, 2024.
The celebration of 2568th birth anniversary of Gautam Buddha commenced (22 May, 2024) with a chanting for world peace at the IICBCH presently under construction at the Monastic Zone, Lumbini. More than 80 (eighty) monks including head monk of Vietnam Temple, Sri Lankan Temple and Nepalese temple along with monks and bhikkhunis/nuns from Theravada and Mahayana traditions based in different temple/monasteries in Lumbini participated in chanting along with 50 Indian monks who were put together by IBC.
The chanting started with Theravada tradition in Pali, participated by all Theravada monks from India and Nepal, followed by chanting by monks of the Vietnamese temple.
The chanting of Mahayana tradition led by Geshe Choesphel Zotpa, Deputy Secretary General, IBC which witnessed participation by monks/nuns of Mahayana monasteries in Lumbini. The monks were also briefed on the status of the project.
An academic symposium on Buddha Dharma and Global Peace' organized (22 May, 2024) by International Buddhist Confederation in association with Lumbini Buddhist University (LBU) and Embassy of India in Kathmandu at the newly constructed auditorium of LBU, located at the UNESCO World Heritage site.
The symposium was attended by eminent scholars of Buddhist studies from India and Nepal including Prof. H.P. Gangnegi, Prof. Basanta Bidari, Dr, Arun Kumar Yadav and Dr. Kumar Khadka. Participants shared their valuable knowledge and perspective on the role of 'Buddha Dhamma' in assuring peace and harmony around the world. A number of dignitaries and academicians and scholars attended the event.
The day's program offered a rich tapestry of experiences, focusing on ?Buddha Dharma and Global Peace,?. The Scholars present shared their insight on the relevance of Buddha's teaching in Modern world besides highlighting the shared Buddhist heritage between India and Nepal. The event fostered a spirit of collaboration and a shared commitment between India and Nepal in promoting peace and harmony based on shared Buddhist heritage.
To celebrate the auspicious occasion of Buddha Jayanti, the Embassy of India in Nepal in association with Lumbini Development Trust (LDT) and Indian Council for Cultural Relation (ICCR) organized a special event of painting exhibition and cultural evening that took place close to the little Buddha statue in Maya Devi Temple Complex.The paintings on the life of Gautam Buddha by students of various schools in Kathmandu was exhibited for the public and was inaugurated by Prime Minister of Nepal, Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda.
Before inaugurating the painting exhibition Prime Minister Prachanda visited Mayadevi Temple and paid respect to Buddha and prayed for world peace.
After inaugurating the painting exhibition on the life and teaching of Buddha, Prime Minister Prachanda witnessed the vibrant performances showcasing the shared Buddhist heritage and traditions of India and Nepal. It began with traditional chanting by Buddhist monks from the Theravada and Mahayana traditions.
The performances included a dance recital entitled 'Shweta Mukti- the Feminine Glory of Nirvana' by Ms. Kavita Dwibedi and her dance troupe from India. A poignant rendition of Bhajans and Dhamma songs was done by celebrated Indian vocalist, Dr. Subhadra Desai. Both, the dance troupe and the reputed vocalist, Dr. Desai represented IBC and India at the event.
In his welcome remarks, Indian Ambassador to Nepal Shri Naveen Srivastava highlighted the shared Buddhist legacy and heritage, a bond that has connected the people of both countries for centuries. Lumbini, the birth place of Buddha in Nepal and Bodhgaya, Sarnath, and Kushinagar in India are the cradles from where the teaching of peace, harmony and compassion was disseminated throughout the world. The Ambassador also re-emphasized India's commitment to strengthen this shared legacy for the welfare of the people of India and Nepal.
Prime Minister Prachanda appreciated the efforts of organizers and all the artists including the IBC contingent for the beautiful painting exhibition and the lively cultural programme. The PM highlighted the importance of shared cultural heritage to connect people of both nations and said that such events ?strengthen the bond of friendship and harmony between our two countries?. He further said that ?such events are not just a source of pride but also a treasure trove of wisdom, values and tradition that enriches our lives and shapes our identity?. The PM further urged all to strengthen Indo-Nepal bilateral relationship in accordance with the aspirations of the people and the changing reality and opportunity available for a meaningful partnership in a number of areas.
Prime Minster Prachanda was presented with a beautiful Thangka Painting dedicated to 'White Tara' the goddess of compassion by the Indian Ambassador on behalf of the people of India.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Nepal, Sh Narayan Kaji Shrestha, Minister of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation of Nepal, Hit Bahadur Tamang, Chief Minister of Lumbini Province Jokh Bahadur Mahara, and several senior provincial leaders also graced the occasion .
On 23 May, 2023 (0500 hrs), the 2568th birth anniversary of Buddha International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) in collaboration with Lumbini development Trust (LDT) organized the mass chanting ceremony for universal peace and harmony at Maya Devi Temple premises. Around 200 monks/nuns/bhikkhunis from India, Nepal, Vietnam, China and Japan etc. representing Theravada and Mahayana traditions along with more than 500 lay peoples performed rituals, hymns and offered offering as per their respective traditions.
Prime Minister Prachanda along with Foreign Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha, Minister for Tourism culture and Civil Aviation, Hit Bahadur Tamang and Vice Chairman of LDT Ven. Lharkhyal Lama joined the Chanting ceremony and prayed for the peace and harmony in the world.
The Chanting ceremony was followed by a peace march which witnessed participations by monks/nuns/bhikkhunis from Theravada and Mahayana traditions along with several devotees from the local community.
The official celebration of Buddha Purnima organized by Lumbini Development Trust at Lumbini Convention Centre (23 May, 2024/0900 hrs.) was graced by Prime Minister Prachanda as the chief guest. Foreign Minister, Sh Narayan Kaji Shrestha, Minister for Tourism ,Culture and Civil Aviation, Sh Hit Bahadur Tamang, Ms. Hanaa Singer-Hamdy, UN Resident Coordinator,H.E. Air Marshal Sudarshana Pathirana (Retd), Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Nepal, H.E. Mr. Suwapong Sirisorn, Ambassador of Thailand to Nepal, H.E. Naveen Srivastava Ambassador of India to Nepal, H.E Indra Mani Pandey, Secretary General BIMSTEC, H.E. ChhokyiNima, Ven Lharkhyal Lama Vice Chairman LDT and many other dignitaries graced the stage with their presence.
All the Ambassadors and representatives of international organization delivered congratulatory message and emphasized on the importance of Buddha's teaching in modern world. In his speech Prime Minister Prachanda reveals that the incumbent Nepal government is bound to developing Buddha's thought, guidance and birth place of Buddha in a destination of world peace and spiritual tourism. The proposal to organize various events in Lumbini, Ramgram, Kapilvastu and Devdaha would also be considered for which LDT would prepare a roadmap
The event was attended by around 700 lay people including student from various school and members of various local communities.
Ambassador of India to Nepal, H.E. Shri Naveen Srivastava along with Ms. Geetanjali Brandon ,First Secretary (Press, Info & Culture) visited IICBCH project site. They were briefed by the IBC officials at the site.
The Ambassador and other Embassy staff during the visit were conducted by the IBC officials who took them around the entire project to brief them on progress of the project. The Ambassador expressed his satisfaction with the progress and quality of work executed by the contractor and motivated the team to put in their best efforts of complete the project within the stipulated time.