LUMBINI, Nov 21: Lumbini, the birthplace of Gautam Buddha, is eagerly waiting for tourists following its reopening after being closed for eight months due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Tourism entrepreneurs are at work to prepare to welcome tourists post the reopening of the tourist spot. Renovation and clean-up at hotels and roads at Mayadevi Temple area are underway. "Entrepreneurs here are filled with happiness and encouragement following the reopening of Lumbini by the Lumbini Development Trust," said Lila Mani Sharma, general secretary of Lumbini Hotel Association. 

"We are waiting for tourists after carrying out a clean-up and completing managerial work of hotels and other businesses that were closed for a long time due to the fears of the COVID-19 Infection. We are now all prepared to provide quality services to the tourists visiting Lumbini," said president of the Association, Mithun Man Shrestha. 

Following the health guidelines set by the government is a must for the entrepreneurs. "The entrepreneurs will follow the health guidelines against the infection while providing services," said Shrestha. 

Similarly, the Mayadevi Temple area in Lumbini has been reopened for tourists. Daily rituals and lighting candles in the temple area have resumed. 

Meanwhile, works have started for repairing and beautifying the structures, including roads, pathways and others outside the Lumbini premises. In this connection, colored bricks have been laid on the footpath leading to the Mayadevi temple from the entry gate 5 at Mahilwar. The asphalt on this footpath has been removed and replaced with coloured bricks. This has made the footpath beautiful and attractive.

Similarly, lamps have been installed on the Italian lampposts on both sides of the footpath. The area looks brilliant when these lamps are lit at night. The grass has been pruned and flowers have been planted on the ground around the Mayadevi Temple premises. 

The holy pond has been cleaned and the archaeological structures around the temple have been repaired.  Soil has been added around the Bodhi Tree to protect it. Italian lampposts have been installed on both sides of the road from the Mayadevi Temple to the Peace Lamp.

(with inputs from RSS)

 
• Lumbini
 
• COVID-19
 
• tourism
 
• Nepal