Nepali community in the UK celebrated Buddha Jayanti at London’s premier location, Trafalgar Square last Sunday.
This is the first time any authorised Nepali event took place at the Trafalgar Square in London. The event was organised by the Buddha Foundation in the UK in association with Embassy of Nepal and several other community organisations.
Here’s my short photo and video story from the event. You can also see my photos gallery published on the BBC.
Buddha Jayanti Celebrations – Photo Story
Nepali community in the UK took over the Trafalgar Square to mark the Buddha Jayanti celebrations.
Trafalgar Square sits in the heart of the London and is one of the top tourist attractions in the UK.
Events held at this premier London venue get a greater attention and this was one of the first authorised events ever held at the location from Nepali community.
More than five hundred people from Nepali communities all over the UK attended the celebrations.
Few former UK MPs and ambassadors representing different countries joined in the celebrations.
Nepal Government’s State Minister for Agriculture Development Radhika Tamang also made it to the program.
A message of global peace and that Nepal is the birthplace of Gautam Buddha was highlighted in the event.
The 3-hour long event started with a traditional pooja with mantras honouring the Lord Buddha.
The event then unfolded with few speeches from the community leaders, organisers, and the MPs.
Later, there were few cultural performances in from local Nepali artists entertaining the crowd.
A candlelight vigil illuminating Nepal’s map and Buddha was held towards the end to mark the occasion.
Buddha and Buddhism hold a greater significance for Nepal beyond just the religion.
Nepal is home to thousands of tourists that visit the country to explore the birthplace of Gautam Buddha, Lumbini in Nepal and experience the Buddhist way of life.
Buddha Jayanti Celebrations – Video Story
Here’s a short video story that I have put together from the event.
I hope you enjoy the photo and video story. Let me know if anything in the comments below and a Happy Buddha Jayanti to everyone.