- Friday, 1 May 2026
Nepal, Kathmandu, May 1: The 2570th Buddha Jayanti is being observed today, recalling the contribution of Siddhartha Gautam to the establishment of world peace. Buddha Jayanti is celebrated on the full moon day in the month of Baishakh of the Lunar calendar every year.
This festival commemorates Siddhartha Gautam’s significant contributions to establishing world peace. Buddhists from Nepal and other countries are celebrating Buddha Jayanti, wishing for peace and tranquility in the world.
Born in Lumbini, Nepal, Lord Gautam Buddha is regarded as the profounder and messenger of non-violence and peace. This year, the 2570th birth anniversary of Lord Gautama Buddha, who propagated timeless messages such as ‘non-violence is the cornerstone of peace and friendship,’ is being celebrated across the country with hopes for peace.
Traditional pujas are performed by Buddhists, with lamas and Buddhist gurus conducting ceremonies in Chaityas, monasteries, viharas, and other sacred sites. Various programmes are traditionally organized in significant locations like Lumbini, Swayambhu, and Bouddha to commemorate the day. Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and Mahaparinirvana (death) all occurred on the full moon day of Baisakh.
Thus, Buddhists worldwide, including those in Nepal, celebrate Buddha Jayanti with deep reverence and devotion. Siddhartha Gautama was born in Lumbini Garden to King Suddhodhan and Queen Mayadevi on the full moon day of Baisakh Shukla. Siddhartha Gautam was deeply moved by the sufferings of the people. At the age of 29, he left his palace to seek enlightenment through penance. —
President Ramchandra Paudel has extended best wishes and greetings to all Nepalis at home and abroad on the occasion of Buddha Jayanti, International Workers’ Day and the Kirant Community’s Ubhauli Parva today.
In his message on the occasion of the 2570th Buddha Jayanti, President Paudel stated that national unity could be further strengthened by maintaining tolerance and mutual goodwill amid religious, social and cultural diversities, abiding by the messages and guiding principles of Lord Buddha, the proponent of non-violence and peace.
“It is a matter of pride for all Nepalis since Nepal is the birthplace of Gautam Buddha, who is revered as a symbol of peace,” the President stated in his message. Likewise, in his message on the occasion of the Ubhauli Parva, the President stated that festivals could help maintain familial, community and social unity as well as promote mutual goodwill amongst all ethnic communities. Such cultural festivals denote respect for our cultural diversities and preserve them, the President’s message read.
Furthermore, in his message on the occasion of International Workers’ Day, President Paudel has expressed confidence that the constitutional provision of developing a socialism-oriented economy will be materialized in the country. The President has also wished for the assurance of labour rights to all workers.
In his message, President Paudel has called for growth in domestic production through entrepreneurship development for economic prosperity in the country and underscored the need for a self-sufficient and self-reliant economy. This Day unites all workers to advocate their rights, welfare and freedom across the world, he added. —
Vice President Ramsahay Prasad Yadav has extended best wishes to all Nepalis at home and abroad on the occasion of the Buddha Jayanti, 137th International Workers’ Day and the Kirant Community’s Ubhauli Parva today.
In his messages today, the Vice President stated that the path shown by Lord Buddha was the foundation stone for peace, tolerance and moral life even in today’s life. Gautam Buddha’s messages have not only contributed to individual awakening but have strengthened social goodwill and brotherhood, Vice President Yadav added.
Likewise, the Vice President mentioned that the Ubhauli Parva offers a message of tribute to nature, continuation of agriculture cycle and collective unity. This festival has inspired Nepal to move ahead on the path to cultural prosperity and social unity, while highlighting the importance of environmental conservation, community goodwill and cultural diversity, according to the Vice President.
Similarly, in his message on International Workers’ Day, Vice President Yadav said that this day will further strengthen the commitment to workers’ rights, social security and decent wages by expressing respect to the working class people.
The labour, dedication and struggles of workers for the nation’s development and prosperity were invaluable, he added. —
Ubhauli Parva, the most important festival of the Kirant community, is being marked today with joy and fervor, and by offering worship to the Bhumesthan (the god of land).
This festival is mostly celebrated in the districts of the Koshi Province and Kathmandu in the country. Ubhauli festival is celebrated every year on the full moon day of the month of Baishakh in the Lunar calendar, which also coincides with Buddha Jayanti, the birth anniversary of Buddha.
During the festival, the Kiranti folks gather together to celebrate the festival in an organised manner and exchange good wishes. According to the religious book Mundhum of the Kirants, time is divided into two parts, Udhauli and Ubhauli. The Kirant community believes that these two periods are divided on the basis of farming. Ubhauli is a festival celebrated to mark the beginning of farming.
The festival is celebrated for good harvest, peace and prosperity in the community. Kirati community, known to be devoted to nature, celebrate Ubhauli by worshipping the land and performing their traditional dance called Sakela. The Kirant Rai Yayokhha has prepared for worship at Sakelasthan at Hatiban of Lalitpur.
Likewise, the people in Yeselukharka in Khotang district have decided to mark this festival only on Jestha 22 as per their longstanding tradition to mark this festival on that day. —
The 137th International Workers’ Day is being marked worldwide today. The Day is being marked since 1890 in recognition of the 1986 workers’ movement that demanded respect of work in the US.
On this occasion, the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security is organizing different programmmes across the country in participation with the employers and employees as well as the development partners.
All across the world, the Day is marked by organizing various programmes that put pressure on the government and employers about the workers’ rights including proper wages be respected so that they can live a decent life.
In Nepal, International Workers’ Day is marked relating to the workers’ movement in Biratnagar in 2007 BS. With the advent of the restoration of democracy in 2046, this day is given emphasis, allowing a public holiday.
The umbrella organization of active trade unions in Nepal, Joint Trade Union Coordination Centre (JTUCC), is bringing all workers together to mark the Day. —
