The festival will take place from March 20, 2025, to May 12, 2025, in Lumbini, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its surrounding cities. Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), in collaboration with the Chinese Embassy in Nepal and the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, is set to organize the Lumbini International Peace Festival from Thursday.
According to NTB, this grand event aims to promote peace, cultural exchange, and tourism, drawing international visitors and Buddhist communities to the sacred birthplace of Lord Buddha. The festival will feature spiritual discourses, cultural performances, exhibitions, meditation sessions, and international delegations, fostering global harmony and religious tourism. With thousands of attendees expected, the festival is anticipated to boost tourism and economic growth in the region while reinforcing Nepal’s identity as a significant center for Buddhist heritage and pilgrimage tourism.
The festival aims to promote Lumbini as a global center for peace and spiritual tourism while encouraging cultural, sports, religious, and people-to-people exchanges between Nepal, China, and other countries. On March 21, a meditation session will be held in the sacred garden outside the Maya Devi Temple, with 100 monks and 400 practitioners participating. On March 22, the 3rd Lumbini International Peace Marathon will be organized to mark the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace.
During the festival, various programs, including the Lumbini Peace Music Program, a photo exhibition celebrating the 25th anniversary of Zhong Hua Monastery, and a Buddha ordination ceremony, will be conducted. A grand closing ceremony will be held on Buddha Purnima. The festival is supported by Lumbini Development Trust, Nepal Olympic Committee, Yunnan Mountaineering and Outdoor Sports Association, KGH Group, Vivo, Deepal, Buddha Air, and other local and international organizations.
Deepak Joshi, CEO of Nepal Tourism Board, stated that the second Lumbini International Peace Festival symbolizes Nepal’s commitment to peace and cultural exchange. He added, “We invite guests from around the world to experience Lumbini’s spiritual essence and celebrate global harmony.”
