Lumbini, December 18
The 33rd Shakya Monlam Puja, a significant Buddhist ritual promoting world peace and the welfare of all living beings, commenced on December 8 and concluded on December 17 at Lumbini, the sacred birthplace of Buddha. This 10-day event, organized by the Lumbini Development Trust after an eight-year hiatus, witnessed the participation of over 7,000 lamas, monks, nuns, Rinpoches, and Buddha’s followers from various countries.
The puja, once an annual event in Lumbini for 25 years, was revived through the special efforts of Dr. Lharkyal Lama (Khenpo Chime), Vice Chairperson of the Lumbini Development Trust, and was inaugurated in the esteemed presence of the 41st Sakya Gongma Trichen Rinpoche from India. Dr. Lama expressed pride in hosting the world's largest Shakya Monlam Puja, emphasizing the spiritual and cultural significance of the event.
“We have worked diligently to sustain and revitalize this tradition, and the collective effort of the Trust, local administration, Buddhist community, and citizens is vital to ensure its continuity,” said Dr. Lama during the inaugural ceremony. He highlighted that the event has created a profound spiritual environment in Lumbini, with prayers echoing daily through the Maya Devi Temple complex.
A Spiritual and Cultural Gathering
Following the Himalayan Buddhist tradition, rituals such as Triratna Vandana and Samantabhadra Pranidhana Stotra were performed each morning, filling the temple premises with recitations of Buddha’s teachings and Bodhisattva aspirations. The Maya Devi Temple complex became a hub of devotion, attracting tourists and spiritual seekers who witnessed the grandeur of the ceremony.
Dignitaries attending the inauguration included Dhundiraj Bhattarai (Siddhicharan), Treasurer of the Lumbini Development Trust; Sajrudin Khan, Mayor of Lumbini Cultural Municipality; Sanuraja Shakya, Secretary Member of the Trust; and Executive Member Shyam Rokka. Their presence underscored the collaborative efforts behind the successful organization of the puja.
Economic and Spiritual Impact
The Shakya Monlam Puja significantly boosted the local economy, with hotels in the Lumbini and Bhairahawa regions reporting full occupancy. Hotel operators noted an increase in economic activity during the event. According to Shyam Rokka, Executive Member of the Trust, the puja revitalized not only spiritual devotion but also local businesses.
The event also served as a platform for high-ranking government officials and religious leaders to receive blessings from the 41st Sakya Trichen Rinpoche. Dr. Lama noted that the revival of this tradition in Lumbini, after being held in India for eight years, marked a milestone for the Buddhist community.
A Vision for Continuity
The 10-day ritual concluded with a call for ongoing support from the Lumbini Development Trust, local authorities, hoteliers, and the public to sustain the tradition of Shakya Monlam Puja. As prayers for world peace and compassion resonated throughout Lumbini, the event reaffirmed the region's significance as a spiritual and cultural epicenter for Buddhists worldwide.