A pilgrimage of 500 novice monks, known as the “Dhamma Yatra,” concluded on Saturday. The journey began at Siddhartha Stadium in Bhairahawa and ended at the Lumbini Gate, passing through Devkota Chowk, Bankeroad, and Narayanpath. Over a thousand locals welcomed the monks by scattering flowers at their feet. The event also marked the completion of the novice ordination program.
With the support of Thailand’s Dhammakaya Foundation, the short-term novice ordination program was organized by the All Nepal Bhikkhu Association, the Thai Bhikkhu Association, and the Lumbini Development Trust. After receiving ordination, the participants officially became novice monks. According to Associate Professor Bhikkhu Shriwajir of Lumbini Buddhist University, such journeys help cultivate spiritual awareness, compassion, and loving-kindness among the public.
Novice monks wear yellow robes and follow ten Buddhist precepts. Unlike lay followers who observe five or eight precepts, novice monks must fully adhere to Buddhist discipline for 20 days. Fully ordained monks, however, must follow 227 precepts.
The term “Dhamma Yatra” combines “Dhamma” (righteous deeds) and “Yatra” (journey), meaning a path toward good deeds. The monks follow ten precepts and engage in meditation and Buddhist teachings. Bhikkhu Shriwajir explained that ordination is inspired by Buddha’s renunciation of his royal life in search of enlightenment.
The novice monk ordination program is vital in promoting religious and spiritual education, fostering social harmony, and encouraging youth participation. The Dhamma Yatra, facilitated by the Buddhist Society Nepal, has been held near Holi (Fagu Purnima) since last year to commemorate Buddha’s enlightenment. Bhairahawa was chosen for the event because it is believed to be the place from which Buddha returned home after attaining enlightenment.
Participants included individuals from Nepal’s Rupandehi, Palpa, Kapilvastu, Nawalparasi, and Dang districts, as well as monks from Myanmar, Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia. During the pilgrimage, the novice monks also visited sites such as Butwal and Buddha’s maternal home in Devdaha. In Lumbini, past ordination programs have included 1,000 novices in 2011, 1,112 in 2015, 1,119 in 2019, 500 in 2023, and 1,250 in 2024. This year, 500 individuals received ordination.
