KATHMANDU: The 2570th birth anniversary of Siddhartha Gautam, revered worldwide as a messenger of peace, is being observed today with prayers, rituals, and teachings. In Hindu tradition, he is also regarded as the ninth incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
Buddha Jayanti is celebrated annually on the full moon day of Baishakh (Baishakh Shukla Purnima). The day holds special significance as it marks the birth, enlightenment, and Mahaparinirvana (passing) of Gautam Buddha.
Devotees across Nepal and around the world commemorate the occasion with deep reverence, reflecting on his teachings of peace, compassion, and non-violence.
Religious activities are being held at monasteries, chaityas, viharas, and gumbas, where followers gather with lamas and Buddhist scholars to perform rituals and offer prayers. Major celebrations are taking place at sacred sites such as Lumbini, Swayambhunath, and Boudhanath Stupa.
According to tradition, Siddhartha Gautam was born in 563 BC in Lumbini, in present-day Rupandehi district, to King Suddhodhan and Queen Mayadevi.
Though born into royalty, he later renounced his princely life at the age of 29 in search of a path to end human suffering, eventually attaining enlightenment and becoming the Buddha.
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