Kathmandu, May 13:

The 2552 Buddha Jayanti is being celebrated beginning today, spreading the message of peace throughout the world and praying to materialise the dream of new Nepal.

This year the Buddha day falls on May 20 and Buddha Anniversary Celebration Committee (BACC) will organise several programmes in monasteries across the country, besides pujas and conventional rituals.

At a press meet today, BACC said week-long free acupuncture, naturopathy and physiotherapy treatment will be provided from May 13. Programmes related to Buddha, his preachings and biography and Buddhist prayers would be broadcast on television and radios.

On May 17, a poetry competition would be organised at Bishwa Shanti Bihar, New Baneshwor and a mass meeting would be organised at Ananda Kuti Bihar, Swoyambhu, on May 20, with the PM being the chief guest, BACC said.

Bhikchhu Sangharakshit, coordinator of the publicity sub-committee, said this year, besides the PM, ambassadors from neighbouring nations would also attend the function.

To mark the tradition of displaying Astu Dhatu (astral relics of Buddha), the organisers said ambassador of Sri Lanka would carry the Dhatu from Sri Lanka Chaitya Sthal, Kathmandu, to a certain place, on his head this year.

This year’s Buddha Jayanti will convey the message of peace, prosperity and solidarity throughout the world, said Bhikchhu Kumarkashyap Mahasthabir, president of All Nepal Bhikchhu Association.