In a landmark decision, the Texas State Legislature has officially declared March 13 as ‘Nepali Lumbini Advocacy Day,’ recognizing the significance of Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, in global spiritual and cultural heritage. The declaration was made following the passing of Resolution 530 in the Texas House of Representatives during its session on March 13, 2025. With this resolution, the Texas State Legislature has granted formal recognition to the importance of Lumbini, underscoring its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a major center for Buddhist pilgrimage worldwide.
The resolution was introduced by Texas State Representative Suleman Lalani, who hails from a Pakistani background, highlighting the broader international acknowledgment of Lumbini’s spiritual and historical importance. The proposal was tabled in the presence of a visiting delegation from Nepal, including the mayors of five municipalities that fall under the Lumbini Circuit. Their presence during this historic moment emphasized Nepal’s ongoing efforts to promote Lumbini as a global hub of peace, culture, and spirituality.
The resolution highlights Lumbini’s profound religious and cultural significance as the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama, who later became Buddha and laid the foundation for Buddhism. It also emphasizes Lumbini’s inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage list and its status as a major spiritual destination for Buddhists around the world. The recognition by the Texas State Legislature marks a significant step in strengthening Nepal’s cultural presence on the global stage and boosting international awareness about the historical importance of Lumbini.
The 89th Texas State House of Representatives not only passed the resolution recognizing March 13 as ‘Nepali Lumbini Advocacy Day’ but also extended a warm welcome to the Nepali delegation that had traveled to Texas to promote Lumbini. The delegation’s visit aimed to enhance Nepal’s cultural diplomacy and foster deeper ties between Nepal and the United States through heritage-based advocacy and tourism promotion.
The initiative to secure this recognition was spearheaded by prominent members of the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) in the U.S., including NRNA America Vice President and Head of the Tourism Department, Netra Pandey, and civic leader Prabhat Dixit. Their persistent efforts played a crucial role in advocating for Lumbini’s global importance and ensuring that the resolution received the necessary legislative backing.
In response to the recognition, NRNA America Vice President Netra Pandey announced that ‘Nepali Lumbini Advocacy Day’ will be celebrated annually in Texas to promote Nepal’s tourism and cultural heritage. He emphasized that this event will serve as a platform for raising awareness about Lumbini’s historical and religious significance while fostering international collaboration to support Nepal’s tourism industry.
This historic declaration represents a significant milestone in Nepal’s cultural diplomacy and tourism promotion efforts, highlighting the global recognition of Lumbini’s spiritual and historical importance. The annual celebration of ‘Nepali Lumbini Advocacy Day’ in Texas will not only strengthen the cultural ties between Nepal and the United States but also contribute to positioning Lumbini as a key destination for international pilgrims and tourists.
