Kathmandu: Today marks the celebration of the 2568th birth anniversary of Siddhartha Gautam, widely known as Buddha, the harbinger of peace. Buddha Jayanti is celebrated annually on the full moon day of the month of Baisakh in the Lunar calendar. This day commemorates Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and death, all of which are believed to have occurred on the full moon day of Baisakh. Buddhists around the world, including those in Nepal, honor the day with great reverence and devotion.

Buddhist monks and religious leaders conduct traditional rituals in chaityas, monasteries, and vihars. Special events are organized in significant locations such as Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha, as well as in Kapilvastu, Swayambhu, and Boudha.

Siddhartha Gautam was born to King Suddhodhan and Queen Mayadevi in Lumbini, located in present-day Rupandehi district, in 563 BC. Born as a prince, he became deeply troubled by the suffering he witnessed among the people. At the age of 29, he left his palace to pursue meditation and penance, eventually attaining enlightenment.

Simultaneously, the Ubhauli festival is being celebrated, particularly by the Kirant Rai community across the country. This festival involves worshiping nature before planting crops to ensure a good harvest. The occasion is marked by traditional dances, including the Chandi and Sakela dances, performed by various sects of the Kirant community.

In Kathmandu, the Kirant Rai Yayokkha is hosting a special event with prayers and worship at Sakelasthan in Hattiban, Lalitpur. However, in Ainselukharka Rural Municipality of Khotang, the Ubhauli festival is celebrated after the 22nd of the month of Jetha, which falls in the first week of June in the Lunar calendar.