PM stresses on the need for the world to know Buddha's correct birthplace
KATHMANDU, MAY 26
Buddha Jayanti, the day of the birth of Lord Buddha, is being observed across the country, albeit with toned-down celebrations owing to the Covid-19 pandemic. This is the 2565th Buddha Jayanti.
Also known as Buddha Purnima, the day falls on Baishakh Shukla Purnima as per the lunar calendar, which is a full moon day.
Those celebrating visit Buddhist monasteries and shrines to worship Lord Buddha, who is believed to be the messenger of peace, based on whose teachings Buddhism was founded. This year due to the Covid-19 restrictions in place, no formal programmes have been organised on the occasion.
The monks, Lama preachers and followers are scheduled to offer worships and illuminate butter lamps at the Mayadevi Temple – the birthplace of Buddha in the evening today, Monk Metteya, vice-chairperson of Lumbini Development Trust was quoted as saying in Rastriya Samachar Samiti.
The offerings would be made by fully adhering to the health safety protocols of maintaining physical and social distance to prevent and control the spread of coronavirus, the Trust sources said.
On the occasion of Buddha Jayanti, President Bidhya Devi Bhandari wished for peace, prosperity and good health of all people, home and abroad.
"The Buddha's teachings will inspire all to maintain peace and order by strengthening tolerance among people of various castes, and religions," President Bhandari said in her message.
Likewise, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli claimed that despite much evidence of Gautam Buddha being born in Nepal, many countries have wrongly placed his birth location in their curriculum misleading their younger generations.
"Nepal is the birthplace of Buddha and the origin of Buddhism," the PM stressed, while extending his greetings on the occasion.
Gautam Buddha, also known as Siddhartha Gautam, was born a prince to King Suddhodana of the Shakya dynasty of Tilaurakot -- which is located in Kapilvastu, Nepal -- and Queen Maya Devi.
The queen is known to have given birth to Buddha in Lumbini, while on the way to her maternal home in Devdaha, which falls in Rupandehi district of modern Nepal.
Many other leaders, celebrities and other renowned individuals have shared their greetings on the occasion.
