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Cultural Sites and Attractions

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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.

 

Experiencing Biraha Cultural Dance in Lumbini

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?

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  • Traditionally, locals in Lumbini region sing and dance Biraha during the major rituals and events organized at the villages.
  • For few decades, Buddha Biraha Cultural Group, Lumbini has been singing Biraha on the life and history of Lord Sakyamuni Buddha and Mayadevi. The group performs Biraha song and dance during the major celebrations, festivals and fairs in the region.
  • Recently, hotels in Lumbini have initiated Biraha Cultural shows for the interested tourists at community center of Mahilwar village.
  • Interested visitors may contact their hotel, travel agency or a guide or directly contact to cultural group to arrange the Biraha Cultural Show at the community center.

 

 

Things to do in Lumbini during the Village Tour

Guided walking, cycling, cart riding or jeep driving tours to the surrounding villages of Lumbini offer visitors the following activities:

  • Observing the tradiional architecture and lifestyle of locals residing in the villages.
  • Visiting green farmland, observing the traditional agricultural practices and enjoying organic fruits.
  • Observing the weekly Hat Bazaar(rural market)in the key points such as Mahilwar, Padaria, Parsa, Mahajadiya villages etc.
  • Visiting the rural families and relishing traditional meals (breakfast or lunch) with them (needs pre-arrangement).
  • Meeting the local champions who make the fiber crafts and mud sculpture of Lord Sakyamuni Buddha.
  • Visiting Biraha Cultural Group (at Mahilawar) and observing the traditional Biraha dance.
  • Visiting Tharu museum (at Khudabagar)including the mud-built food storage practices of Tharu (Dehari) and other communities.
  • Catching on the legends and tales from the villagers on Lord Sakyamuni Buddha’s birthplace and history.
  • Observing the unique shamanism practices of healing the diseases in the evening would be an interesting activity (needs to be pre-arranged).
  • Cycling through the paddy/wheat/mustards fields and along the village roads
  • Visiting temples and mosques. Observing the periodic festival and events.
  • Visiting schools and children. Visiting Metta Gurukul School at Mahilawar village and interacting with the local kids/Vikchhus who are studying Buddhism.
  • Observing the daily and periodic rituals of the locals including wedding and birth celebrations.
  • Bird watching in the mango orchards, wetlands and rivers.
  • Visiting Osho Jetavan Village and meditation center located nearby Madhubani village.

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