SATV 12 May, Kathmandu: The 2569th birth anniversary of Siddhartha Gautam, the messenger of peace and the "Star of Asia," is being celebrated today in various Buddhist temples and monasteries across the country and abroad with rituals, worship, and sermons. Buddha Jayanti is celebrated every year on the full moon day of the month of Baishakh in the lunar calendar. This festival is observed in remembrance of Siddhartha Gautam’s contribution to world peace.
Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and Mahaparinirvana all occurred on the same day—Baishakh Shukla Purnima—so Buddhists across the world, including in Nepal, observe this day with deep reverence and devotion. The 2569th anniversary of Gautam Buddha, who carried the immortal message that "non-violence is the foundation of peace and friendship," is being celebrated across the nation today with prayers for peace.
Buddhist devotees perform traditional rituals and ceremonies with lamas and Buddhist gurus at places like chaityas, gumbas, and vihars. The government has also urged people to light lamps at home in the evening to mark Buddha Jayanti.
There is a tradition of celebrating Buddha Jayanti with various programs at places like Lumbini, Swayambhu, and Boudha. Siddhartha Gautam was born 2569 years ago, in 563 BCE, in the Lumbini Garden of Rupandehi, on the full moon day of Baishakh, to King Śuddhodan and Queen Māyādevī.
Born as a prince, Siddhartha Gautam became troubled after witnessing human suffering. At the age of 29, he left the palace in search of spiritual truth. After rigorous meditation and austerity, he attained enlightenment—also on this very day. It is believed that after achieving enlightenment in Bodh Gaya, India, he traveled to various places to share the wisdom he had attained.
It is also said that he passed into Mahaparinirvana on this same day while continuing his journey of spreading knowledge. Advocate of peace and non-violence, Gautam Buddha sought to awaken global consciousness through the "Noble Eightfold Path." In remembrance of Lord Gautam Buddha, the promoter of peace, Buddha Jayanti is celebrated with great joy and reverence at the Mayadevi Temple in Lumbini and in other stupas and monasteries.
