The inauguration of International Buddhist Conference was held on 19th May 2016 at Soaltee Crowne Plaza, Kathmandu, as a part of the celebration of Buddha Jayanti, the 2,560th birth anniversary of Lord Buddha. The conference is being held with the theme ‘Lumbini, Nepal: the Birthplace of Lord Buddha and Fountain of Buddhism and World peace’.
Government representatives, Buddhist religious leaders, monks and nuns and scholars on Buddhism from 28 various countries are participating in the conference hosted by the government and will conclude today.
President Bidya Devi Bhandari is scheduled to inaugurate the Buddha Jayanti main celebration function in Lumbini on May 21. A Lumbini Declaration will be issued at this function, incorporating the conclusions drawn from the seminar. Lumbini Day will also be celebrated in Lumbini on Saturday.
Prime Minister Mr. K.P Oli had inaugurated the conference by reciting the Peace Prayer. Representatives of various countries had shed light on different aspects, practices and religious sects of Buddhism in the conference that kicked off.
Religious gurus of the three sects of Buddhism – Theravada, Mahayana and Vajrayana – were present on the occasion. Singer Ani Choying Drolma presented songs about the deliberations on Buddhist philosophy.
NATTA President Mr. Madhu Sudan Acharya and Mr. Varun Mehta, Executive Member also participated in the Conference. Mr. Acharya is one of the members of the Organising Committee fromed by GON, MOCTCA whereas Mr. Mehta is the coordinator for Conference logistics.
On the occasion, NATTA had built a Welcome Banner and built a Welcome Gate in the very heart of city welcoming the foreign delegates to Nepal.
NATTA’s main role in the program has been to look after the logistics including Air – ticket and surface transportation and receiving the guests at the airport.