SATV 21 March,Kathmandu: The second edition of the Lumbini International Peace Festival has been inaugurated at Lumbini, the birthplace of Gautam Buddha, with the aim of promoting the region's cultural and tourism potential.

Along with the opening session, the Lumbini International Meditation Festival was also held at the site.

In his remarks, the Minister of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation Badri Prasad Pandey expressed gratitude to the organizers for their efforts in promoting Nepal and its sacred sites. He emphasized that through collective efforts, Lumbini and Nepal could become a global hub for tourism.

H.E. Chen Song, the Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Nepal, stated that Nepal is home to many tourist attractions, and the Chinese government, in accordance with its cultural exchange plans, has supported this event to promote Nepal-China cultural ties.

Dipak Raj Joshi, CEO of The Nepal Tourism Board, one of the event's organizers, revealed that the primary goal of the festival is to promote Lumbini and the surrounding religious and tourist areas.

Following the inauguration, religious leaders and monks from various temples presented demonstrations of meditation and spiritual practices. Monks from the Royal Thai Temple, Tibetan gurus, and Chinese teachers led meditation sessions, offering a glimpse into the peaceful practices of these traditions.

The peace festival includes events like Lumbini International Peace Marathon, Lumbini Peace Concert, Photo Exhibition and Conference Marking the 25th Anniversary of establishment of Zhonghua Monastery, and various other seminars. The event is scheduled to conclude on 12th May 2025.

This event further solidifies Lumbini's position as a global center for peace and cultural exchange.