April 23: Lumbini, the birthplace of Gautam Buddha, is preparing for the celebrations of the 2567th Buddha Jayanti that falls on May 5 this year. The day also coincides with the Lumbini Day.    
In this connection, the Lumbini Development Trust (LDT) has already formed the Buddha Jayanti main management committee and other various sub-committees to observe the day in a grand manner.    
The main celebration committee is coordinated by LDT vice chair Vikkhu Awadesh Kumar Tripathi and the sub-committees are the Security and Volunteer Sub-committee coordinated by LDT member secretary Sanu Raja Shakya, the Dissemination Sub-committee coordinated by LDT treasurer Siddhicharan Bhattarai and the Hall, Sanitation and Tree Transplantation Sub-committee coordinated by LDT planning chief Saroj Bhattarai. Besides these, other various sub-committees have been also formed.    
According LDT member secretary Shakya, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal will be addressing a formal session of the Buddha Jayanti celebrations and the preparations are going on accordingly. Ambassadors of various nations to Nepal have been invited to the event.    
LDT treasurer Siddhi Charan Bhattarai said that Rs 10 million has been earmarked for the programme to be organized on the occasion of Buddha Jayanti. The Buddha Jayanti is also celebrated as the day when the Buddha was born, got enlightenment and attained salvation.    
Siddhartha Gautam who is known as Gautam Buddha after his enlightenment was born on the full moon day in the month of Baishak in 623 BC. -- RSS