Nepal is celebrating the 2570th Buddha Jayanti today, honouring the birth, enlightenment and Mahaparinirvana of Siddhartha Gautama, revered worldwide as the Buddha and messenger of peace.
The festival, observed each year on the full moon day of Baishakh, draws thousands of devotees to sacred sites including Lumbini, Swayambhu and Boudha. Traditional pujas are performed in monasteries and viharas, with lamas and Buddhist gurus leading ceremonies that emphasise Buddha’s timeless teachings of non‑violence and compassion.
Born in Lumbini to King Suddhodhan and Queen Mayadevi, Siddhartha Gautama renounced his royal life at the age of 29 to seek enlightenment through penance. His journey and teachings have since shaped spiritual traditions across Asia and beyond, making Buddha Jayanti a day of reflection on peace and human suffering.
This year’s commemoration comes with renewed calls for global harmony, as Buddhists in Nepal and abroad dedicate prayers to peace and tranquillity. The celebrations highlight the enduring relevance of Buddha’s message: that non‑violence is the cornerstone of friendship and coexistence.
In recent years, Buddha Jayanti has also become a focal point for cultural diplomacy, with Nepal showcasing Lumbini’s heritage to international visitors. The annual observance not only honours the spiritual legacy of the Buddha but also reinforces Nepal’s role as the birthplace of one of history’s most influential figures.
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