Buddha Jayanti is one of the most sacred and significant holidays in Nepal. It is celebrated on the birth anniversary of Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, who was born in Lumbini, Nepal around 563 BC. Each year, on the full moon day of Baishakh month of the lunar calendar, typically falling in April or May, Buddhists in Nepal and around the world commemorate the birth, enlightenment, and death of Buddha on this day, collectively known as 'Thrice Blessed Day'.
During Buddha Jayanti, pilgrims and devotees gather at Buddhist shrines and temples all over Nepal, especially in Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The day is marked by prayer, meditation, processions, and ceremonies. People donate offerings, light lamps, and perform acts of kindness and charity. Places of worship are decorated with colorful flags and flowers, and the air is filled with hymns and mantras. This reflects the teachings of Buddha that preach peace, non-violence, and coexistence.
The Buddha Jayanti festival not only represents a strong cultural heritage but also unites people of different backgrounds on a shared platform of peace. Despite being a predominantly Hindu country, Nepal's population includes a significant number of Buddhists. For these Buddhists, and also for many Hindus, Buddha Jayanti is a day to honor Gautama Buddha's teachings of enlightenment, kindness, and humanity. It holds a profound spiritual and national significance, reaffirming the rich diversity and inclusiveness of Nepalese society.