Buddha Jayanti Celebrations Highlight India-Nepal Buddhist Ties

The Embassy of India in Nepal celebrated the auspicious occasion of Buddha Jayanti with a series of events in Lumbini on May 22, 2024. Organized in collaboration with the Lumbini Development Trust and the Lumbini Buddhist University, the festivities underscored the enduring Buddhist linkages between India and Nepal.

The day commenced with an academic symposium on “Buddha Dharma and Global Peace” at Lumbini Buddhist University. Eminent Buddhist scholars from India and Nepal participated, sharing insights on the modern relevance of Lord Buddha’s teachings. They emphasized the rich Buddhist heritage connecting both nations.

The Prime Minister of Nepal, Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’, graced the event as the Chief Guest. A painting exhibition and cultural evening, held near the Prince Siddhartha Statue in the Sacred Garden at Lumbini Sanskritik Municipality, were the highlights of the celebration.

The painting exhibition, inaugurated by Prime Minister Prachanda, showcased artwork by students from Kathmandu and Lumbini, depicting various aspects of Lord Buddha’s life and teachings.

The cultural evening featured vibrant performances reflecting the shared Buddhist heritage of India and Nepal. The event began with traditional chanting by Buddhist monks from the Hinayana and Mahayana traditions, organized by the Lumbini Development Trust. Highlights included a dance recital titled ‘Shweta Mukti- the Feminine Glory of Nirvana’ by Indian dancer Kavita Dwivedi and her troupe, Bhajans and Dhamma songs by celebrated Indian vocalist Dr. Subhadra Desai, and a medley of Buddhist songs by the renowned Nepali music group Sur Sudha, led by Surendra Shrestha.

Ambassador Naveen Srivastava, in his welcome remarks, highlighted the shared Buddhist legacy that has connected India and Nepal for centuries. He emphasized the significance of holy sites like Lumbini, Bodhgaya, Sarnath, and Kushinagar in spreading Lord Buddha’s universal teachings and reiterated India’s commitment to strengthening this shared heritage for the welfare of both nations.

Prime Minister Prachanda appreciated the Embassy of India and the participating artists for the beautiful painting exhibition and the lively cultural program. He noted that cultural events like these strengthen the bond of friendship and harmony between India and Nepal, serving as a source of pride and a treasure trove of wisdom. Prachanda underscored the age-old, multi-dimensional relationship between the two countries, supported by cross-sectoral cooperation.

The event was also attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Nepal, Narayan Kaji Shrestha, Minister of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation of Nepal, Hit Bahadur Tamang, Chief Minister of Lumbini Province, Jokh Bahadur Mahara, and other senior provincial leaders. Representatives from various Buddhist sects and monasteries in India and Nepal, as well as the general public, were present.

Ambassador Srivastava presented an intricate Thangka painting from Sikkim, India, to Prime Minister Prachanda, symbolizing the deep cultural ties between the two nations.