2570th Buddha Jayanti being observed with prayers for peace

KATHMANDU: The 2570th Buddha Jayanti is being observed today in Nepal and other countries, recalling Siddhartha Gautam’s contribution to the establishment of world peace and prompting prayers for peace and tranquillity.

Buddha Jayanti is celebrated on the full-moon day in the month of Baisakh of the lunar calendar each year. The festival commemorates Siddhartha Gautam’s significant contributions to establishing world peace, and Buddhists worldwide observe the day with deep reverence and devotion.

Traditional pujas are being performed, with lamas and Buddhist masters conducting ceremonies in chaityas, monasteries, viharas and other sacred sites. Various programmes are traditionally organised in significant locations such as Lumbini, Swoyambhu and Bouddha to mark the day.

A view of Swayambhunath Stupa in Kathmandu on the 2570th Buddha Jayanti, Friday, May 1, 2026. Photo: RSS

Participants in a peace march held on the occasion of the 2570th Buddha Jayanti in Damauli, Tanahun District, on Friday, May 1, 2026. Photo: RSS

This year, the 2570th birth anniversary of Lord Gautam Buddha, who propagated messages such as “non-violence is the cornerstone of peace and friendship”, is being celebrated across the country with hopes for peace. Born in Lumbini, Nepal, Lord Buddha is regarded as the proponent and messenger of non-violence and peace.

Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and Mahaparinirvana (death) all occurred on the full-moon day of Baisakh, which is why Buddhists worldwide, including those in Nepal, mark the occasion on that day.

Siddhartha Gautam was born in Lumbini Garden to King Suddhodhan and Queen Mayadevi on the full-moon day of Baisakh Shukla. Deeply moved by the sufferings of the people, he left his palace at the age of 29 to seek enlightenment through penance.