Binod Panta
Kathmandu, May 29: On the auspicious occasion of 2553rd birthday of Gautam Buddha, almost all the Buddha, Gumbas, Stupas, Chaityas, Vihars were full of pilgrims. Regardless of religion, people from all religious background were seen around Gumbas and Chaityas.
Sankhu resident, Hindu follower Bhala Shrestha, early in the morning, went to Buddha Stupa situated in Boudha for worshipping. Not only Bhola a large number of Hindu followers were seen around different Boudha, Vihars, Chaityas, Stupas and Gumbas.
Pilgrims were seen in large volume in the places like Swayambhu, Boudha, Chabahil and kapan. Prakash Pokharel who was about to enter the kapan monastry said "Nepal is famous all over the world because of Buddha so, it is not essential to be Buddhist to respect Buddha and his philosophy,"
Even Christians were seen around Buddha Gumbas. Nakul Sijapati, a christian too visited along with his friends. He said "We should respect religious tolerance and for Nepali all religion are same and equal. That's why I am here." He added " for me both Buddha and Jesus are one.
All the visitors in the Gumbas, Stupas, Chaityas, Vihars wished for the permanent restoration of peace and prosperity in Nepal. Different peace programmes were held in different places of the country on this occasion.
