Unlike in the previous years, there we no the scene of people rushing to have a glimpse of the stupa did not occur this year.Many tried to persuade police personnel and guards only to be turned away. Concerned over the security and safety of the earthquake-hit stupa, where a couple of houses have collapsed, the government has barred visitors from entering the area, which is a world heritage site.
Surendra Shrestha and his family were among the locals who had gone to the stupa to celebrate the birthday of Lord Gautam Buddha.
"I am disappointed for not being able to offer prayers at the stupa on this auspicious day. All we could do was pay our obeisance from distance," said Shristi.
"Despite the difficulties, I was hoping the management committee of the stupa would open the site for devotees on this auspicious day," she added.
Many people flocked to the stupa to see the head monk display what is believed to be the teeth of Lord Buddha at Anandakuti Gumba.
"Everyone still suffers from the fear of the earthquake. That is the reason why the crowd of devotees declined this year. In the past, the crowd was so huge that one could hardly find a place to stand," said Tshiring Gurung, member of Tilicho Khangsar Service Committee of Manang District. The Three Buddha Park comes under the management of this committee.
Mahendra Ratna Buddacharya, general secretary of Federation of Swoyambu Management and Conservation (FSMC), shared it was beyond his authority to open the stupa on the day.
"The earthquake caused severe damages to the stupa area. Some houses have collapsed and the security of the area is a major concern now," said Buddacharya.
Meanwhile, on this occasion, Karma Samten Ling Gonpa was seen offering free medical assistance and food items to the earthquake victims of Chokdol area.
"We have been providing various essential supplies to the victims since the first day of the earthquake. We are just following what we have been preaching: that helping others in need is the best karma one can perform in ones lifetime," said Ven Gyalpo Rinpoche.
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