RUPANDEHI: The International Buddhist Conference-2018 has kicked off in Lumbini, the birthplace of Gautam Buddha, from today.

Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Rabindra Adhikari inaugurated the conference where 70 representatives from 16 countries are participating, according to the Lumbini Development Trust Secretariat.

University professors and reputed Buddhist gurus from America, Japan, India, Indonesia, China and Sri Lanka have graced the event.

Likewise, Buddhist scholars from various countries will be presenting their papers for discussions in the conference. The two-day conference will also issue the Lumbini Declaration.

Vice Chancellor of Lumbini Buddhist University and Coordinator of the International Buddhist Conference Committee Prof Naresh Man Bajracharya said that archaeologists, historians and Buddhist scholars from across the world would publicise worldwide that Lumbini is the birthplace of Gautam Buddha.