RUPANDEHI: A cultural event named 'Bhadracharya Utsav' has kicked off in Lumbini, the birthplace of Gautam Buddha.

Bhikshus and Lamas from several countries including Nepal and India have arrived here to participate in the festival organised with the wish for world peace and welfare of the entire living beings. The event is organised by the Bhadracharya Monlam Foundation in Lumbini.

Dhungse Abhikrit Bajra Rimpochhe, who is respected as a great religious leader in the Shakypa sect, is here to grace the five-day event.

It will be marked especially by Sambandha Bhadra and Manjushree prayers, recitation of hymns wishing for removal of earthly sorrows, meditation sessions, among others, according to the Foundation's member Nima Lama.

The Monlam (world peace) pooja that is observed by the Shakyapa sect of the Himali Buddhist community is considered the largest worship ceremony within the community. According to the Foundation, the festival has been organised on the premises of the Shakya Monastery behind Mayadevi Temple.

Among four sects in the Himali Buddhist community, Gelukpa, Dinggapa, and Kagyuppa perform the peace pooja in India and it is only the Shakyapa sect that observes the event in Lumbini, Nepal.