Buddha Jayanti 2025: Global Devotees Gather in Lumbini for Peace and Reflection
Lumbini, May 12 – The sacred birthplace of Lord Gautam Buddha came alive on Monday with vibrant spiritual energy as thousands of devotees from Nepal and around the world gathered to celebrate the 2,569th Buddha Jayanti. This auspicious day, marking the Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and parinirvana, is one of the most significant religious events for Buddhists globally.
The celebrations began at dawn with a solemn prayer ceremony for global peace held at the historic Maya Devi Temple. Monks representing various Buddhist traditions chanted prayers in multiple languages, setting a meditative and reflective tone for the day. The temple courtyard, beautifully adorned with marigold garlands, prayer flags, and butter lamps, echoed with chants of compassion and nonviolence.
One of the highlights of the day was a peace procession that stretched nearly two kilometers from the temple to the International Meditation Centre. The march brought together monks in saffron robes, nuns, students, and pilgrims who walked in unity while holding banners promoting mindfulness, loving-kindness, and harmony. The air was filled with the sounds of traditional instruments and sacred chants, creating a sense of spiritual solidarity among participants.
By mid-morning, Lumbini had turned into a vibrant spiritual hub, with the influx of visitors swelling. Pilgrims meditated under the sacred Bodhi trees, lit candles, and offered incense at numerous monasteries within the Lumbini Development Zone. Local vendors provided traditional offerings and refreshments, while volunteers assisted in managing the crowd. The atmosphere was festive yet reverent, blending ancient rituals with modern-day devotion.
Later in the day, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli arrived to attend the main ceremony as the chief guest, alongside national dignitaries and international Buddhist leaders. The gathering featured speeches, cultural performances, and interfaith messages reflecting the Buddha’s teachings of peace, tolerance, and sustainable living. The Prime Minister is expected to highlight Nepal’s commitment to preserving Lumbini’s spiritual legacy and promoting peace through Buddha’s universal values.
Buddha Jayanti is more than a religious festival—it is a reminder of humanity’s shared longing for peace, wisdom, and harmony. As the full moon rose over Lumbini, its light symbolized hope for a more compassionate world, echoing the very teachings that began here over 2,500 years ago.
