KATHMANDU: President Ram Chandra Poudel and First Lady Sabita Poudel performed worship and prayers at Guru Lhakhang Monastery in Bouddhanath on the occasion of the 2569th Buddha Jayanti.

President Poudel also circumambulated the Bouddha Mahachaitya and paid homage to the precious relics of Lord Gautam Buddha. They reached Bouddhanath early in the morning to participate in the prayers and view the sacred relics of Buddha.

From early morning, a large number of devotees gathered in the Bouddha area for the sacred relics’ viewing. On the occasion of Buddha Jayanti, the precious relics of Buddha, along with the rare relics of Kashyap Buddha and Swayambhu Mahachaitya, were displayed at Bouddhanath.

As part of the celebrations, preparations are underway for a procession with the ancient statue of Lord Buddha along with relics. A journey for world peace and human welfare under the slogan “My Birth for Others” is set to begin today, informed Bhupatibajra Lama, President of Ghyang Guthi.

This journey, accompanied by Buddha’s relics, is believed to spread the message of Buddha’s infinite wisdom, compassion, and knowledge across the world. It is expected to contribute to Nepal’s global recognition.

The tradition of celebrating Buddha Jayanti on the full moon day of Baishakh Shukla Purnima has been ongoing for centuries.

The event is grandly celebrated in places such as Lumbini, Kapilvastu, Boudha, Swayambhu, Namo Buddha, and other prominent Buddhist sites across Nepal.