The third International Lumbini Peace Festival officially commenced in Lumbini on Thursday. Anil Kumar Sinha, Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, emphasized that the message of compassion and nonviolence preached by Buddha remains highly relevant today. The festival will feature special meditation programs and an international peace marathon.
Beginning on Thursday at the birthplace of Lord Gautam Buddha, the third International Lumbini Peace Festival is jointly organized by the Nepal Tourism Board and the Chinese Embassy in Nepal. Minister Sinha expressed that amid the rising conflicts and instability worldwide, Buddha’s teachings of compassion, nonviolence, and coexistence have become even more pertinent and necessary.
During the opening ceremony, Minister Sinha highlighted Lumbini’s revival as a spiritual center for global peace and noted that the presence of representatives from various countries has elevated Lumbini to an international platform. Chang Maoming, Chinese Ambassador to Nepal, elaborated on how peace is a fundamental human need, especially as the current international environment grows increasingly complex and unstable.
Jeevan Ram Shrestha, President of the Nepal Olympic Committee, acknowledged Lumbini as a shared heritage of human civilization and expressed confidence that the festival, along with the international peace marathon and various sports events, will serve as a powerful medium for promoting peace and development. As part of the festival, a special meditation program will be held on Friday at the Mayadevi Temple premises, followed by the international peace marathon on Saturday.
