Nepal: PM Modi takes part in Buddha Jayanti celebrations at Mayadevi temple in Lumbini; Will also participate in Shilanyas ceremony for India International Centre
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Lumbini, Nepal this morning on the occasion of Vaishakha Buddha Purnima. Mr. Modi was received by Nepal Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba on his arrival at Lumbini. Mr Modi visited the sacred Mayadevi temple and offered prayers. In a tweet, the Prime Minister said he feels blessed to have prayed at the Maya Devi Temple. He said, may Lord Buddha bless all and make the planet peaceful and prosperous.
Mr Modi also participated in the Shilanyas ceremony for the construction of a unique centre for Buddhist Culture and Heritage within the Lumbini Monastic Zone. The construction of the unique India International Centre for Buddhist Culture and Heritage with a universal appeal will be undertaken by the International Buddhist Confederation, India under the auspices of the Lumbini Development Trust with the financial support of the Ministry of Culture, Government of India.
After the shilanyaas ceremony, which was performed by monks belonging to three major Buddhist traditions, Theravada, Mahayana and Vajrayana, the two Prime Ministers also unveiled a model of the Centre.
Once completed, the Centre will be a world-class facility welcoming pilgrims and tourists from all over the world to enjoy the essence of spiritual aspects of Buddhism. It will be a modern building, NetZero compliant in terms of energy, water and waste handling, and will house prayer halls, meditation centers, library, exhibition hall, cafeteria, offices and other amenities.
En route to his visit to Lumbini in Nepal, Prime Minister Modi landed at Kushinagar International Airport in Uttar Pradesh this morning. Chief Secretary Durga Shankar Mishra, and DGP Devendra Singh Chauhan among others welcomed the Prime Minister at the Airport. From there Mr.Modi boarded a chopper and departed to Lumbini.
This is Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s fifth visit to Nepal since 2014 and his first visit to Lumbini. Mr. Modi’s visit continues the tradition of regular high-level exchanges between India and Nepal in furtherance of India’s Neighbourhood First Policy. It underscores the shared civilizational heritage of the people of both countries. During his visit, the Prime Minister will also hold a bilateral meeting with his Nepalese counterpart.
He will also deliver an address at a Buddha Jayanti event organized by the Lumbini Development Trust under the aegis of the Government of Nepal.
After attending programmes at Lumbini, the Prime Minister will fly back to Kushinagar in the evening, where he is scheduled to visit the Mahaparinirvana Stupa. He will have Darshan perform pooja at the stupa.
