The Nepal Government has invited Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to attend the 2560th Buddha Jayanti celebrations, officials said on Thursday. Nepal is organising International seminar on “lumbini, Nepal” the birth place of lord Buddha and Fountain of Buddhism in Kathmandu from May 19 to 20 followed by Buddha Jayanti celebrations at lumbini on May 21.
Nepal’s Minister of tourism, culture and civil aviation Ananda Prasad Pokharel has sent invitation to the CM to attend the function as special guest. Pokharel in his letter said the celebration this year follows the tradition of periodic hosting of International Buddhist Conference in Nepal in the presence of the high-level delegations and scholars from many countries.
“The celebrations to mark the Buddha Jayanti are of great spiritual significance as an occasion for all of us to reflect on and draw inspiration from the prominence of the Buddha on peace, harmony and tolerance. In view of the shared tradition and values rooted in common culture of our two countries as well as this special occasion would contribute towards further highlighting the continued relevance of the Buddha’s eternal message of peace and humanity to the world,” the Nepal Minister said.
Nitish visited Nepal on March 3 at the invitation of the Nepali Congress to attend the 13th Nepali Congress during which he called on the President, Prime Minister and several other dignitaries.