KATHMANDU: The 2569th birth anniversary of Siddhartha Gautam, revered worldwide as Buddha and symbol of peace, is being observed today with devotion and respect.

Celebrated on the full moon day of Baishakh in the lunar calendar, Buddha Jayanti holds deep spiritual significance as it coincides with Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and passing.

On this occasion, Buddhist followers across Nepal and the globe engage in prayers and rituals at chaityas, monasteries, and vihars. Major commemorative events are being held in Lumbini—his birthplace—as well as in Kapilvastu, Swayambhu, and Boudhanath.

Buddha was born in 563 BC in Lumbini, located in present-day Rupandehi district, to King Suddhodhan and Queen Mayadevi. Though raised in royalty, he renounced palace life at the age of 29 after witnessing human suffering, choosing a path of meditation and spiritual pursuit.