Lumbini International Peace Festival 2024 starts on Friday

KATHMANDU, April 04:The Lumbini International Peace Festival 2024 will be held in Lumbini, Buddha's birthplace, on April 5 and 6.

The festival will feature three major programs: the Lumbini International Peace Marathon, the Lumbini International Meditation Day, and the Lumbini Peace Concert.

The marathon to participate runners from Nepal, China, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Kenya, and other countries.

The event will be organized by the Nepal Tourism Board, the Chinese Embassy in Nepal, the Lumbini Development Fund, the Nepal Olympic Committee, and the Lumbini Provincial Sports Council.

In a press conference to announce the festival, Wang Xin, Deputy Head of Mission of the Chinese Embassy in Nepal, stated that the festival will increase Lumbini's popularity as a destination for world peace, religious and cultural tourism. He went on to say, "In addition to promoting Lumbini, the program will play a role in strengthening people-to-people relations between Nepal and China."

Jeevanram Shrestha, President of the Nepal Olympic Committee, stated that the program is being arranged to raise awareness about Lumbini's importance around the world. He stated, "Marathon competition began in Lumbini three years ago. This time, it was arranged as a festival with the participation of numerous organizations. Shrestha stated that disseminating the Buddha's teachings and the Shanti Bhoomi brand associated with Lumbini around the world will tremendously benefit Nepal's economic progress and prosperity. He stated that there is a need to incorporate Buddhist games into Lumbini in the future.

On the morning of April 5, an international meditation and evening discourse program will be place at the Lumbini Sacred Garden as part of the Lumbini Development Trust's program. Maniram Lamichhane, Director of the Nepal Tourism Board, announced that the Lumbini International Peace Marathon would take place the following day in Lumbini Square. The Lumbini Peace Concert will take place on the evening of April 6. Ani Choying Drolma, Chinese singer Ulan Tuya, Lu Ning, and others will be performing.

Similarly, men will compete in a marathon event lasting more over 42 kilometers, as per international rules. A 21-kilometer half marathon race will be held for women. The victor of the marathon competition would receive five lakhs. The total prize money has been allocated at 20 lakh rupees.

A 5 km road race and a 3 km walkathon for schoolboys and girls are also scheduled.

According to Sanuraja Shakya, member secretary of Lumbini Development Trust, the festival would be a milestone in establishing Lumbini known as a wellspring of peace and Buddhism around  the world.