LUMBINI, March 20: The third Lumbini International Peace Festival began on Thursday in Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, drawing international participants to promote peace, spirituality, and global harmony, according to the organisers.
Jointly organized by the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and the Embassy of China in Nepal, the three-day festival was inaugurated by Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Anil Kumar Sinha.
Lumbini World Peace Forum felicitates individuals, organization...
Addressing the opening ceremony, Minister Sinha highlighted the growing relevance of Buddha’s teachings in a world marked by conflict and instability. “The message of compassion, non-violence, and coexistence is more important than ever,” he said, adding that Lumbini is reasserting its role as a global spiritual hub.
Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Chang Maoming said peace has become a fundamental aspiration amid rising geopolitical tensions, reaffirming China’s commitment to peaceful development. He described Lumbini as a global symbol of peace and expressed confidence that the festival would further strengthen Nepal-China ties, the organizers said.
Nepal Olympic Committee Chairperson Jeevan Ram Shrestha highlighted sports as a powerful tool for promoting peace, noting that the festival includes an international peace marathon.
Lumbini Development Trust Vice Chairperson Larkel Lama emphasized that Buddha’s teachings should be practiced, not just believed, describing Lumbini as a spiritual destination open to all.
The festival features meditation sessions at the Maya Devi Temple, a peace marathon, cultural performances, and spiritual discourses. Organizers say the event aims to further position Lumbini as a global center for peace and spiritual tourism.
