Buddha Jayanti and Ubhauli festival being observed

KATHMANDU: The 2568th birth anniversary of Gautam Buddha, the harbinger of peace, is being celebrated today. 

Buddha Jayanti is celebrated every year on the full moon day of the month of Baisakh in the Lunar calendar. As Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and death fall on the full moon day of Baishakh, Buddhists around the world, including in Nepal, celebrate the day with reverence and devotion to Buddha.

Likewise, Buddhist monks and religious leaders sit in chaityas, monasteries, and vihars, and perform traditional rituals. 

Special events are held in Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha, and Kapilvastu, Swayambhu, and Boudha. 

Buddha, previously known as Siddhartha Gautam, was born to King Suddhodan and Queen Mayadevi in Lumbini of the present Rupandehi district in 563 BC or 2,568 years ago. Born as a prince, he became worried seeing the sufferings of the people. 
At the age of 29, he left the palace and went for meditation and penance.

Also today, the Ubhauli festival is being celebrated especially by the Kirant community across the country.

During the festival, there is a tradition of worshipping nature before planting the crops to ensure that the land gives a good output. The Chandi dance is also performed on the occasion of this festival. 

The Sakela dance is also performed among different sects of the Kirant community. 

Meanwhile, in Kathmandu, Kirant Rai Yayokkha is hosting a special event including prayers and worshipping Sakelasthan in Hattiban of Lalitpur. 

However, the people of Ainselukharka Rural Municipality of Khotang celebrate this festival after the 22nd of the month of Jetha (first week of June) in the Lunar calendar.

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