International Buddhist Conference on Buddha Jayanti (Buddha birthday )

International Buddhist Conference on Buddha Jayanti (Buddha birthday )

Every year Buddhists Nepalese celebrate ‘Buddha Jayanti’ or ‘Buddha Purnima’ to mark the auspicious birthday of Gautama Buddha. This year it is the 2560^th birth anniversary of Gautama Buddha and falls on 21 May, Saturday.

This day is celebrated by visiting Buddhist stupas and gompas, offering prayers and lighting butter lamps. It is not just a day when we reflect on the teachings of Buddha but also by involving in communal activities that benefits all living beings.

On the occasion of 2560^th birthday anniversary (Buddha Jayanti) of Gautam Buddha that falls on 21 May, a three-day-long International Conference on Lord Buddha and Buddhism is to be held on May 19-21 in Kathmandu.

The government is preparing to conduct the international–level conference for the massive publicity of the invaluable heritages remaining in Lumbini and disseminate the message of the world peace and for developing Lumbini as a spiritual centre and promote Nepal’s religious and cultural tourism.

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, head of states of neighboring countries and ministers for culture, high-level representatives from different countries and organizations as well as Buddhist scholars and monks are expected to participate in the international conference.

A total of 23 countries will take part in the conference. Tourism Ministers of Thailand and Sri Lanka have already confirmed their participation. Likewise Vice President of Chinese Buddhist Association will be leading a delegation of 28 monks to Nepal. Altogether 500 buddhist monks will visit Lumbini during the conference.

The government is offering free on-arrival visa to those coming to participate in the conference.

There will be Presentation of National and International Organization representatives of Prestigious Buddhism followeres and scholars will interact in the Conference.

Lumbini was listed as a World Heritage Site in 1997 by UNESCO.