May 26, 2021, Lumbini: 2565th Buddha Jayanti and Lumbini Day 2078 was observed modestly in Lumbini. The auspicious day used to witness a grand celebration amid presence of thousands of national and international guests and delegates in previous year. This year’s Buddha Jayanti was celebrated in a small scale following the safety protocols for Covid-19 issued by the Government of Nepal.

The auspicious occasion was marked by tree plantation in the vicinity of Lumbini Master Plan Area and illumination of lights at Mayadevi Temple and international monasteries of Lumbini. Lamps were illuminated in the memory of those who lost lives in Covid-19 pandemic and Paritrana (Buddhist hymns for restoring peace, good health and wellbeing of all sentient beings) was chanted by the monks and nuns for peace and heavenly abode of the departed souls.

Limited number of monks and nuns of Lumbini international monastic zone, Chief Minister of Lumbini Province Hon. Shankar Pokhrel, Lumbini Province Assembly Member Hon. Fakhruddin Khan and staff and official of Lumbini Development Trust including Vice Chairman Awadhesh Tripathi (Ven. Metteyya Sakyaputta), Member Secretary Sanuraja Shakya, Project Manager Er. Saroj Bhattarai were gathered at Mayadevi premises to celebrate the Buddha Jayanti.

Rt. Hon. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli addressed the event via video conferencing. The Prime Minister in video address said, “The Buddha’s profound teachings of non-violence and peaceful co-existence have played a great role to restore world order by reinforcing the purposes and principles cherished in the Charter of the United Nations. The Buddha’s doctrines of unconditional love and harmony are being more relevant in today’s chaotic world”. He further added that the government of Nepal was industrious to develop Greater Lumbini Area in a top priority. The Prime Minister also wished for world peace, fraternity and good health of all on the occasion of Buddha Jayanti.

The message of Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation and Chairman of Lumbini Development Trust Bhanu Bhakta Dhakal was read by Member Secretary Sanuraja Shakya amid the program. The Minister has expressed heartfelt tribute to those who lost life from Covid-19 and wished for speedy recovery of the infected ones in message.

Vice Chairman Metteyya appealed to follow the safety protocols against Covid-19 to fight against the pandemic. He also expressed heartfelt tribute to demised ones, condolences for their bereaved families, speedy recovery of infected ones and good health of all people around the globe.