Lumbini to Host Third International Buddhist Conference in April

Lumbini is set to host the third International Buddhist Conference on Baisakh 16 and 17 (Nepali calendar). The decision was made during a council meeting of the Lumbini Development Trust (LDT) on Thursday, aiming to promote tourism in Lumbini and increase international visitor arrivals. The conference is expected to elevate Lumbini’s profile among the global Buddhist community.

The meeting, chaired by Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation Minister and LDT Chair Anil Kumar Sinha, also established the main organizing committee for the conference. Dr. Lharkyal Lama (Khenpo Chimechirring), Vice-Chair of the LDT, will serve as the committee coordinator, leading a 10-member core committee.

The government has allocated NPR 3 crore from the current fiscal year budget for the event. Previously, due to political and structural changes in the country, the conference was scheduled for November but has now been rescheduled to coincide with the 2570th Buddha Jayanti in Baisakh.

Dr. Lama stated that the conference will promote global peace through Buddhist philosophy, spreading values of compassion, kindness, and brotherhood. Over 60 Buddhist scholars, spiritual leaders, distinguished guests, and key personalities from various fields worldwide are expected to participate.

During the two-day conference, discussions and presentations will focus on Lumbini, Kapilvastu, and other Buddha-related heritage sites, environmental conditions of the Lumbini area, global Buddhist heritage, and topics related to Buddhist education and culture.

The Lumbini Development Trust noted that the first and second International Buddhist Conferences have already contributed significantly to Nepal’s religious, cultural, and tourism sectors.