30 February, 2023, Lumbini:  Kathmandu. Two hundred Buddhist monks, nuns and pilgrims in the lead of senior Monk Ven. Chasung arrived  Lumbini today. The pilgrims had left South Korea on a pilgrimage to the Buddhist sites lying in Nepal and India. The group was welcomed by the Lumbini Development Trust amidst a function at Lumbini.

A Buddhist organization registered under South Korea’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism brought the Buddhist pilgrims to Lumbini on foot that included 200 Korean Buddhist monks, nuns and pilgrims. The pedestrians had arrived at Lumbini via Bodhgaya, Sarnath, Kushinagar, other Buddhist sites in India.

Hon. Basu Dev Ghimire, Member of the House of Representatives from Rupandehi Constituency No. 5, Vice Chairman of Lumbini Development Trust Ven. Metteyya, Mayor of Lumbini Sanskritik Municipality Mr. Sajuruddin Musalman and LDT officials welcomed the pilgrims at the birthplace of the Buddha on Wednesday.

The group of Korean Buddhist pilgrims worshipped the birthplace, observed the historic monuments and prayed for world peace at Mayadevi Temple premises. South Korean Ambassador to Nepal H.E. Park Chong Suk accompanied the pilgrims at the worship and prayer.

MP. Ghimire said that he was happy to welcome the group of Buddhist monks in Lumbini. He also appreciated the pilgrims' dedication and devotion that inspired them to set on a long journey to Lumbini, the holy birthplace of the Buddha. He said that Nepal and South Korea have been rejoicing very good friendly relation for a long time. "South Korea has been one of the best employment generating countries for Nepali workers", he said.  He further added that such cultural visits would help further strengthen relations between these friendly nations.

 Korean Ambassador to Nepal H.E. Park Chong Suk said that he was happy to welcome religious leaders as well as pilgrims of South Korea to the Mayadevi Temple premises, in Nepal. He said that Lumbini, the holy birthplace of Buddha, has strengthened Nepal’s ties with South Korea culturally as it attracts thousands of Korean Buddhist aspirants.

Vice Chairman Ven. Metteyya described the month of Falgun as very auspicious for the Buddhist in which important events had happened in the life of Lord Gautam Buddha. He said, "It is a moment of happiness for all of us to welcome the Buddhist pilgrims in Lumbini who arrived at the Buddha's birthplace in a painful journey of 1000 km. from South Korea in this holy month." He expressed confidence that the pilgrimage of high-ranking monks to Lumbini would send a positive message to the world and strengthen the spiritual ties between Nepal and South Korea.

Senior monk Ven. Chasung gave a discourse speech at the end of the program and wished for world peace from the Mayadevi Temple premises.

The prayer program was participated by Treasurer Dhundiraj Bhattarai, Member Secretary Sanuraja Shakya, Project Chief Saroj Bhattarai, Administration Chief Gyanin Rai and LDT Officials.

The pilgrims entered Nepal through Belahiya border from Indian terretory while they left Lumbini via Kakrahawa border after paying homage to the holy birthplace of the Buddha on Wednesday. In an interaction, the pilgrims opined that they felt so blessed to have their dream of pilgrimage to the lands of Buddha came true.