Lumbini, Falgun 2.

Two major events are set to take place in Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha, starting from the second week of Falgun. These include the annual Kumarapravrajya (short-term monkhood) program and the Fourth Lumbini International Tripitaka Chanting Ceremony.

The events are jointly organized by the All Nepal Bhikshu Mahasangha, the Thai Bhikshu Mahasangha, and the Lumbini Development Trust. The grand ordination program for 500 individuals will be held from Falgun 14 to Chaitra 3. Similarly, the Fourth Lumbini International Tripitaka Chanting Ceremony, organized by the All Nepal Bhikshu Mahasangh, will take place from Falgun 20 to 25.

The Tripitaka Chanting Ceremony will see the participation of Mahathera, Bhikshus, Bhikshunis, Upasakas, Upasikas, and short-term Shramaneras. The fourth international Tripitaka Chanting, which will commence with a formal inauguration on Falgun 21, will include the recitation of the Sutta Pitaka, Vinaya Pitaka, and Abhidhamma Pitaka, as informed by the organizers.

Sanuraja Shakya, Member Secretary of the Lumbini Development Trust, shared that, similar to last year, two major events are scheduled to take place in Lumbini during the month of Falgun. He urged everyone to take advantage of the opportunity to practically embrace the teachings of Buddha through the program running from Falgun 14 to Chaitra 3.

The All Nepal Bhikshu Mahasangha has announced that those wishing to become short-term monks can register their names until Falgun 14. Bhikshu Techavar informed that all preparations for the ordination of 500 individuals have been completed. He particularly urged locals to participate in the sacred ordination to follow the teachings of Lord Buddha and benefit from it.

The ordination program has been organized especially to practice the teachings of Buddha in daily life. The ordination will take place in Lumbini on Falgun 20, Tuesday. Following this, alms-giving will be held at the Lumbini Hall on Falgun 22, a lamp-lighting ceremony on Falgun 24, a Dhamma Yatra to Devdaha, Butwal, and Ramgram on Chaitra 2, and the program will conclude with a certificate distribution on Chaitra 3. After the certificate distribution, alms-giving will be conducted in various cities on Chaitra 4 and 5, as informed by the organizers.