London – The birth anniversary of Lord Gautam Buddha was observed in London amid much fanfare.

The Buddha Foundation UK organised the 2568^th birthday of Lord Buddha at General Gordon Square  at Woolwich, South East London, on Sunday.

Hundreds of members of Nepali diaspora, many of them in their ethnic costumes, took part in the programme organised by the Foundation in cooperation with the Nepali Embassy, London, Nepal Tourism Board and other local organisations.

Cultural programme and children’s activities were organised as part of the festival.

Addressing the event, Nepal’s envoy to the UK, Gyan Chandra Acharya, said Gautam Buddha’s message was still relevant amid conflict and environmental destruction in the world. He called upon all to preserve and protect Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha. He thanked the organisers for their tireless efforts to protect and promote Nepali culture in the UK.

Newly elected Mayor of London Borough of Greenwich, Councillor Jit Ranabhat, said Greenwich was proud to host diverse communities living in harmony with each other. He thanked the Nepali community in the Borough for their active participation and contribution to local community. He assured full cooperation from the Borough to support local community activities.

During the event, Buddhist monk Khenpo Karma Thultrim and 11-year-old girl, Arya Shrestha, spoke about the message of Lord Buddha.  A three-and-half-feet tall Buddha statue brought from Nepal and a canvas prepared by former Vice Chancellor of Lumbini University Hriday Ratna Bajrachayra and Prof Karna Maharjan depicting Gautam Buddha’s life were main attractions of the event. 

The venue was decorated with Buddhist prayer flags. 

President of the Buddha Foundation UK, Deepak Shrestha, said the Foundation was organising the event, in cooperation with other organisations, to spread the message that Lord Buddha was born in Lumbini, Nepal. He thanked all for their participation and support to make the event a grand success.

Programme coordinator and Vice President of the Foundation, Ms Prasuna Kadel, conducted the event.


Members of Pasa Puchah UK performed Lakhe dance and Dhime music while artistes including Suresh Lama, Anu Chaudhary, Sharmila Bardewa and Deepak Thapa also performed at the ceremony.

All guests as well as participants at the event lit lamps at the end of the programme praying for world peace and harmony.  

(All pics: Shiba Bhandari/London)