May 23: The 2568th birth anniversary of Siddhartha Gautama, popularly known around the world as Buddha, the harbinger of peace, is being celebrated today.

Buddha Jayanti is celebrated every year on the full moon day of the month of Baisakh in the lunar calendar. As Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and death all fall on the full moon day of Baisakh, Buddhists around the world, including in Nepal, celebrate the day with reverence and devotion to Buddha.

Likewise, Buddhist monks and religious leaders sit in chaityas, monasteries, vihars, and other sacred places to perform traditional rituals. Special events are held in Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha, and in Kapilvastu, Swayambhu, and Boudha.

Siddhartha Gautama was born to King Suddhodana and Queen Mayadevi in Lumbini, in the present-day Rupandehi district, in 563 BC, which is 2568 years ago. Born as a prince, he became concerned upon seeing the sufferings of the people. At the age of 29, he left the palace and embarked on a journey of meditation and penance.

Additionally, the Ubhauli festival is being celebrated today, particularly by the Kirant Rai community across the country. During the festival, there is a tradition of worshiping nature before planting crops to ensure a good harvest. The Chandi dance is also performed on this occasion.

The Sakela dance is performed among different sects of the Kirant community. Meanwhile, in Kathmandu, the Kirant Rai Yayokkha is hosting a special event that includes prayers and worship at Sakelasthan in Hattiban, Lalitpur.

 However, the people of Ainselukharka Rural Municipality in Khotang celebrate this festival after the 22nd of the month of Jeth (the first week of June) in the lunar calendar. (RSS)