Spiritual gatherings bring Lumbini back to life
Summary
Major Buddhist prayer and teaching gatherings have revived Lumbini after years of relative quiet, drawing monks, nuns, devotees and foreign visitors from multiple countries. The surge in religious activity is also giving a boost to the town’s struggling tourism sector.
Key Points
- Large international Buddhist prayer and teaching events have brought Lumbini back to life after four to five years of relative quiet.
- The gatherings included the World Peace Monlam Prayer, the Taklung Kagyu National Great Prayer Festival and the International Pranidhana Ceremony.
- Participants came from Nepal and many other countries, while teachings were led by Chhokyi Nyima Rinpoche and other Buddhist teachers.
- Local tourism businesses say visitor arrivals are improving and expect further growth in 2026.
