Existence of the Lumbini Village was also mentioned by the early travelers including famous Emperor Asoka, who visited Lumbini in 249 BC and erected a stone pillar bearing inscription.
Today, Lumbini Cultural Municipality encompasses the areas of ancient Lumbini Game (village), surrounding villages of Lumbini and beautiful natural landscapes around it. One of the interesting features of these surrounding rural villages of Lumbini is that the majority of Hindu and Muslim communities are safeguarding and promoting the Buddhist heritage sites including the birthplace of Lord Sakyamuni Buddha. They feel proud and honored to be the true custodian of this sacred shrine.
Major cultural village worth visiting to the east of Lumbini Master Plan Area include Madhubani, Mahilawari Mahialwar, Laximpur etc. Likewise cultural villages located to the south of Mayadevi Temple include Lankapur, Punnihawa, Majahana, Kewataliya, Bhagawanpur, Khungai, Padaria, Khambe, Amari, Shivalaya etc. Villages located to the west include Manauri, Sujandih, Jayanagara, Muhasad, Tenuhawa, Lokhadiya, Muglaha,
Mahadeva etc. Cultural village worth to visit to the north of the Master Plan includes Shivagadiya, Harnampur, Tarkullaha, Mashina, Bhaisaiya, Ekla, Bharwaliya, Chainpurwa, Khudabagar etc.
While the villages to the south and east are dominated by the Hindu communities, the villages located to the west and north of the Master Plan are densely populated by the Muslims. Mahilawar village is particularly famous for age old Biraha Culture. Other attractions in the Hindu villages are Shiva and Hanuman temple, traditional rituals, farming practices, festivals and fairs. Mosques, beautiful arts on mosque and house walls, various rituals and festivals are the major attractions in the Muslim villages. The Hindu and Muslim 52 communities cherish the social harmony and uphold the Buddhist heritage sites. Therefore, Lumbini is also the perfect embodiment of inter-faith tolerance.
Visiting the Weekly Hat Bazaar is another opportunity in Lumbini for the visitors to observe the real trade and life styles of the rural people. They can also buy some locally produced organic products including fruits, fresh vegetables and spices.
Biraha is one of the popular folk songs in Lumbini area for more than three centuries. This folk song is mood based and basic theme revolves around the sorrow caused by separation of family members, especially the lover and his beloved. The locals in Lumbini have connected Biraha culture with the history and life of Lord Sakyamuni Buddha. The artists also sing the tragedy songs on the separation of Princess Yasodhara with her husband Prince Siddhartha and King Suddhodhana with his beloved son upon Siddhartha’s renunciation for search of salvation. Where and how to experience this culture?
Guided walking, cycling, cart riding or jeep driving tours to the surrounding villages of
Lumbini offer visitors the following activities: