LUMBINI, NEPAL — Lumbini, the revered birthplace of Sakyamuni Buddha, is set to host the 4th Asian Buddhist Cultural Festival from 25 to 28 April 2025 at the International Buddhist Conference and Meditation Hall. This significant cultural and spiritual event is organised by the Lumbini Development Trust and the Sariputra Foundation, in collaboration with international partners including the World Alliance for Buddhist Cultural Exchange Ltd. and the Wuzhou Peace Calligraphy and Painting Academy.

The festival aims to create a vibrant space for intercultural exchange, spiritual connection, and scholarly discourse. A highlight of the festival will be a seminar providing a platform for discussion on the preservation and innovation of Buddhist cultural heritage in Nepal and across Asia. Topics will cover Buddhist art, literature, philosophy, and the evolving nature of Buddhist practices in the modern world.

Since its inception in 2011, the Asian Buddhist Cultural Festival has been successfully hosted in Cambodia, Sri Lanka, and Thailand, earning acclaim for promoting unity and understanding among diverse Buddhist communities worldwide. The fourth edition in Lumbini will bring together monks, nuns, scholars, artists, and practitioners from dozens of countries. It represents a shared commitment to mutual understanding, peace, and collective well-being, transcending national and linguistic boundaries.

The programme will also include:

• Cultural performances representing diverse Buddhist traditions across Asia.
• Art exhibitions and calligraphy displays.
• Spiritual ceremonies and meditation sessions.
• Stalls offering traditional Asian cuisines and handicrafts.

Boosting Tourism and Cultural Diplomacy

Beyond its spiritual objectives, the event is expected to boost tourism and contribute to local economic development in Lumbini and across Nepal. It also reinforces Lumbini’s identity as a global centre for peace, compassion, and enlightenment.

Notable participants include Ven. Professor Walmoruwe Piyarathana, Ven. Melpitiye Somarathana Thero, Director of the Faxian Centre for Culture, Tharanga Wickramadara, Head of Religious Programming at Swarnawahini Media Network, Ranjith Siriwardana of the Faxian Centre, Dr. Akuratiye Nanda Thero, Chancellor of Ruhunu Campus, Dr. Thawalama Dhammika Thero of Jiniva Buddhist Vihara, and Ven. Dr. Rathmale Punyarathana Thero. Their participation underscores the global significance of this event.