Lumbini, the birthplace of Gautam Buddha, commenced its first-ever Peace Fair with the inaugural “Lumbini International Meditation Day,” a significant step towards fostering global tranquility.
The event, which took place on Friday, saw prominent figures such as Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha and Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Chen Song participate in a serene meditation session within the Sacred Garden, embarking on a spiritual journey.
Nepal is gearing up to propose the International Day of Meditation to the United Nations, following in the footsteps of the International Day of Yoga declared by India.
Deputy Prime Minister Shrestha emphasized the importance of the UN officially recognizing this day during the program, stating that Nepal has initiated efforts towards this end. He revealed that he had already presented the proposal to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres during his visit to Nepal in November.
The Chinese Embassy in Nepal also contributed to the celebration by organizing an International Meditation Day program in Lumbini as part of the inaugural Lumbini International Peace Festival.
The event aimed to position Lumbini as a center for meditation, distinct from yoga, and preparations are underway to officially propose the International Meditation Day to the UN General Assembly.
The gathering in Lumbini highlighted the transformative power of meditation in fostering inner peace and global harmony. Various organizations, including the Nepal Tourism Board, the Chinese Embassy in Nepal, the Lumbini Development Trust, and the Provincial Sports Council Lumbini, collaborated to orchestrate the event.
Co-organizers such as the Nepal Overseas Chinese Association, the Zhong Hua Monastery in Lumbini, and the Lumbini Hotel Association underscored the collective commitment to promoting peace and prosperity on a global scale.
