Kathmandu, May 23: The Embassy of Nepal in Kuala Lumpur commemorated the 2568th Buddha Jayanti/Wesak Day today at Jatan Vivekananda, Kuala Lumpur, to mark the birth, enlightenment and parinirvana of Lord Buddha. The ceremony was organised in coordination with the Non-Resident Nepali Association, Malaysia.
The Ambassador of Nepal to Malaysia, Dilli Raj Poudel, the Most Venerable Datuk K. Sri Dhammaratana Nayaka Maha Thera, and Mr. Binod Thapa, President of Non-Resident Nepali Association, Malaysia jointly inaugurated the programme by lighting the traditional lamp.
At the ceremony, the Most Venerable Datuk K. Sri Dhammaratana Nayaka Maha Thera, Buddhist Chief High Priest of Malaysia conducted a Metta Bhavana (Maitri Bhavana) meditation session followed by a sermon on the importance of Buddha Jayanti/Wesak Day.
Acharya Khenpo Karma Rigzin and his disciples from Royal White Monastery Kathmandu performed Shanti puja on the occasion.
During the programme, a video on Lumbini was played to highlight the birthplace of Lord Buddha.
Delivering a vote of thanks, Ambassador Poudel stated that Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, has been a source of pride for every Nepali. He highlighted that it was inscribed on UNESCO’s list of World Heritage properties in 1997 as the place where Gautam Buddha was born in 623 BC.
He underscored that the Government of Nepal is fully committed to Lumbini’s development and preservation of the cultural and archaeological monuments and relics in the Greater Lumbini Area. He further added that the Lumbini Master Plan is being implemented at a greater pace as a project of national pride.
Nepali artists displaying Nepal’s cultural and ethnic diversity performed dances of Tharu, Gurung, Tamang and Magar communities. Nepali singer Dhiraj Rai also performed at the programme.
More than three hundred participants including Ambassadors/High Commissioners/Head of Missions, diplomats, representatives of private sector apex bodies, friends of Nepal, representatives of Nepali communities, and family members of diplomats at the Embassy were present on the occasion.
