KATHMANDU: The Third Lumbini News Festival commenced today at Lumbini, the birthplace of Gautam Buddha.

The festival aims to foster discussion on journalism in mofussil, the structure of journalism under the federal system, and the role of the media in economic development and tourism promotion in the Lumbini region.

The event brings together senior journalists, editors, writers, and correspondents from across Nepal to deliberate on issues related to news content, writing, and literature.

According to the organizer, Lumbini Press Club, Rupandehi, the festival, which began at the hall of Lumbini Buddhist University, also seeks to nationalize and internationalize issues related to Lumbini.

Club Chair Kamal Rayamajhi said representatives from the Delhi Press Club, Kashi Journalists Association, Varanasi Press Club, Gorakhpur Press Club, Maharajgunj Press Club, and Sikkim Press Club are participating in the event.

The festival will feature panel discussions on themes such as “Trans-Border Ties: Necessities and Potentiality,” “Lumbini: Investment and Tourism Viability,” and “Questions in Journalism: Responsibility and Accountability.”

The organizers expect the festival to contribute to branding the Lumbini region, strengthening provincial journalism, and further enhancing cross-border relations. Renowned journalists from Nepal and India will take part in the discussions.

The first Lumbini News Festival was held in 2076 BS, followed by the second edition in 2080 BS after a pause caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.