Lumbini [Nepal], Embassy of India in Kathmandu in collaboration with Lumbini Development Trust organized several programs in Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha, on the eve of Buddha Jayanti.
The program began with an academic seminar on "Buddhaism and Global Peace" at Lumbini Buddhist University in the afternoon on May 22, the Indian Embassy said in a release. Prime Minister of Nepal Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' attended the special event as the chief guest.
"Eminent Buddhist scholars from India and Nepal participated in the symposium and shared their insights on the relevance of Lord Buddha's teachings in the modern world. The scholars also highlighted the unique and rich Buddhist relationship between India and Nepal," the release said. "Put in."
The centerpiece of this special event to celebrate Buddha Jayanti in Lumbini was a painting exhibition and cultural evening, held in the sacred garden of the Lumbini Cultural Municipality, close to the Prince Siddhartha Statue.Painting exhibition on 'Lord Buddha and his teachings' was inaugurated. Prime Minister of Nepal, where curated paintings made by students of schools in Kathmandu and Lumbini are displayed. These paintings depict various aspects of the life and teachings of Lord Buddha
Held on the eve of Vaishakha Buddha Purnima, the cultural evening features vibrant performances showcasing the shared Buddhist heritage and traditions of India and Nepal. It began with traditional chanting by Buddhist monks of Hinayana and Mahayana traditions, organized by the Lumbini Development Trust. Other performances included a dance-singal titled 'Shweta Mukti - The Feminine Glory of Nirvana' by Kavita Dwivedi and her dance troupe from India; A moving rendition of bhajans and Dhamma songs by renowned Indian singer Dr. Subhadra Desai; And a soulful mix of Buddhist songs by the famous Nepali music group 'Sur Sudha' led by Surendra Shrestha.
In his welcome address, Ambassador Naveen Srivastava underlined that the shared Buddhist heritage and heritage of India and Nepal is a bond that has connected the people of both the countries for centuries.The holy lands of Lumbini in Nepal and Bodhgaya, Sarnath and Kushinagar in India are the cradle from where the universal teachings of Lord Buddha spread to other parts of the world. The Ambassador also stressed India's commitment to strengthening this shared heritage in the present times for the welfare of the people of India and Nepal. Nepalese Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' appreciated the Indian Embassy and all the artists for the beautiful painting exhibition and vibrant cultural programme. The Nepali PM said that culture has a special place in the bilateral relations between India and Nepal and such events strengthen the bonds of friendship and harmony between our two countries. He said that such events are not only a source of pride but also a treasure of knowledge.He emphasized that Nepal and India have an age-old, multi-dimensional relationship which is supported by various regional cooperation. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Nepal, Narayan Kaz Shrestha, Nepal's Minister of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Hit Bahadu Tamang, Chief Minister of Lumbini Province Jokh Bahadur Mahara and several senior provincial leaders as well as Vice President of Lumbini Development Trust and senior Officials also participated in this program. The event was widely attended by representatives of various Buddhist sects and monasteries from India and Nepal as well as the general public. The program concluded after Ambassador Srivastava presented an intricate Thangka painting from Sikkim, India to Prime Minister 'Prachanda'.