The five-day Chaitra Purnima festival is currently being celebrated at Lumbini, the sacred birthplace of Lord Buddha in Rupandehi district, Nepal. Beginning on April 12 (Chaitra 29) and continuing until April 15 (Baisakh 2), the festival is centered around the Mayadevi Temple, where Queen Mayadevi is believed to have given birth to Siddhartha Gautam (Buddha) in 623 BCE.
This annual celebration holds deep religious and cultural significance not only for Buddhists but also for people from various faiths, serving as a symbol of unity, peace, and diversity. Devotees participate in special prayers, meditation, almsgiving, traditional dances, storytelling, and other rituals. The event also includes health camps and drinking water facilities for visitors.
The festival attracts a large number of devotees, especially around the Mayadevi Temple, which is also revered locally as Rummindei Mai. The fair has a positive impact on local tourism and the economy, boosting sales in transportation and handicrafts. Compared to the official Buddha Jayanti celebrations organized by the Lumbini Development Trust, this locally driven fair is considered more vibrant and spiritually engaging.
However, challenges like poor crowd management, limited parking, lack of clean water and sanitation, and dusty conditions remain unresolved. Despite these issues, local police have ensured adequate security, and organizers emphasize the need for better planning and modern infrastructure in the future. The fair continues to reflect the spiritual energy, cultural richness, and deep devotion associated with Lumbini, uniting communities and inspiring Buddhist followers from around the world.
