The construction of the Indian International Buddhist Culture and Heritage Center has commenced in Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha. This center is being established under the auspices of the International Buddhist Confederation in the monastery zone of Lumbini. It aims to showcase Indian Buddhist culture and heritage.

Last year, during his visit to Lumbini, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with then-Nepalese Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, jointly laid the foundation stone for the Indian vihara (monastery) in Lumbini.

On August 6, a ceremony was held at the construction site of the vihara, where, following Buddhist traditions, prayers and teachings were offered by Buddhist monks and nuns. A kamala (lotus) flower-shaped design will be incorporated into the construction of the vihara. Siddhicharan Bhattarai (Dhundiraj), the Officiating Vice-Chairman of Lumbini Development Trust, highlighted that the initiation of the international-level Indian vihara construction added to the grandeur of the Buddha's birthplace.

Buddha's life comprises four holy sites, with Lumbini being one and the remaining three situated in India. Cooperation between Nepal and India is crucial for the development of Buddhist tourism. The presence of India is essential at the birthplace of Buddha, and after 18 months, the construction of the vihara, resembling a lotus flower, is expected to enhance Buddhist activities. This collaboration, as noted by Maitri, the former Vice-Chairman of Lumbini Development Trust, will lead to the advancement of spiritual and religious activities along with tourism.

Dr. Bhikkhu Dhammapala, the Secretary-General of the International Buddhist Confederation, initiated the establishment of a modern center in Lumbini for the promotion of Buddhist culture and heritage. He emphasized that Buddha's birth in Lumbini and his enlightenment in Bodh Gaya, his first sermon in Sarnath, and his Mahaparinirvana in Kushinagar, link the two countries in profound spiritual connection.

In the inaugural ceremony, Thupten Jigme Dorjee, Secretary of the International Buddhist Federation and a member of the International Buddhist Confederation, stated that the construction of the vihara in the shape of a lotus flower, costing 1.6 billion Nepali rupees, is underway within the Lumbini Master Plan area. He highlighted the avoidance of external electrical wiring in favor of modern building design using zero-net technology. Agreements have been made with organizations like ASI India and Gorkha Wilder's Jewelers to complete the modern, dome-shaped vihara within the next 18 months.

Various local leaders, members of the Lumbini Development Trust, venerable monks from different countries, nuns, lay practitioners, and devotees participated in the groundbreaking ceremony. The land worship ceremony was conducted under the guidance of journalist Niru Gautam.