May 18, 2019, Lumbini: 2563^rd Buddha Jayanti & Lumbini Day 2076 and Visit Lumbini Year 2076 BS ceremony was celebrated in Lumbini with a great pump for three day from May 17-19 2019. The main ceremony was celebrated in the presence of Right Hon’ble President Ms. Vidya Devi Bhandari, Right Hon’ble Prime Minister and Chair of Lumbini Development Trust Mr. KP Sharma Oli, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Province 5 Mr. Shankar Pokharel, Hon’ble Industry, Tourism, Forests and Environment Minister of Province 5 Mr. Lila Giri, Vice Chair of Lumbini Development Trust Venerable Metteyya Sakyaputta, Prof Myint Utan, grandson of former UN general secretary and Indian government minister Ramdas Atuwal and other high level international and national delegates, venerable monks and nuns, media persons, and devotees and general public.

On this occasion of Buddha Jayanti, a peace rally in the presence of Rt. Hon’ble Prime Minister was organized which started from Mahilawar Chowk and ended at the Cultural Center of Lumbini Masterplan. Thousands of participants from Nepal and other countries took part in the rally representing their own culture, tradition and special attire.

During the rally Rt. Hon’ble prime Minister also lit the Peace Torch from the Eternal Peace Flame of Lumbini and handed over to the expedition team to be carried to the top of Mt. Everest.

The Rt. Hon’ble Prime Minister also hoisted the fifty feet high national flag of Nepal at Lumbini Squire 1, Lumbini. The hoisting of the tallest national flag in Lumbini is a part of Visit Lumbini Year Campaign.

After hoisting of the national flag, the Prime Minister participated in the Sangh Dana program organized to offer Astapariskara to the venerable monks and nuns. The prime minister said that the state should facilitate the monks and nuns who have sacrificed their whole life for the benefit of other beings. The PM also offered meal to the venerable monks and nuns on the main celebration days of Buddha Jayanti.

Rt. Hon’ble president Vidya Devi Bhandari and Rt. Hon’ble Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli jointly inaugurated the Visit Lumbini 2076 campaign initiated by the government of Province No 5 amid the Buddha Jayanti celebration program. The government of Province No 5 is celebrating current year as “Lumbini Visit Year” with the aim to welcome 2 million tourists by 2076 BS.

President Bhandari emphasized on speedy implementation of Lumbini Development Master Plan while addressing the august gathering of the Buddha Jayanti celebration. President Bhandari also suggested to develop Lumbini as the global cultural tourism hub by completing the Buddhist circuit. She also urged authorities to include the local community in development and conservation of Lumbini region.

While addressing the main celebration event, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli expressed satisfaction to witness promptness in the development activities in Lumbini after formation of the present government. From behalf of the government of Nepal, the Prime Minister also expressed commitment to fee Nepal from any kind violence. The nation would govern according to Buddha’s teaching of non-violence and Nepal leads others to the path of peace, he added. The Prime Minister also announced that International Vesak Day would be organized in Lumbini next year.

On May 19, the following day of Buddha Jayanti, Mayadevi Prasuti Utsava (maternity day) was celebrated at Tilaurakot. The event was organized to commemorate home return of Baby Buddha after queen Mayadevi delivered Him at Sacred Garden of Lumbini in 623 BC. Statue of baby Buddha was taken to Tilaurakot palace from Lumbini with a rally participated by different cultural groups, devotees and general public. The Prime Minister attached importance to the historicity and spirituality of Tilaurakot, ancient Sakya Palace of King Suddhodhana where Prince Siddhartha had spent 29 years of early life. He visited the site and inspected the archaeological and development activities on May 17, the day before Buddha Jayanti.