Rupandehi, Lumbini | February 6, 2026 [2082 Magh 23 (BS)] — The third International Buddhist Conference will be held in Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha.
A council meeting of the Lumbini Development Trust held today decided to organize the International Buddhist Conference in Lumbini on the occasion of the upcoming Baisakh full moon.
Conference dates and purpose
According to Lumbini Development Trust Member Secretary and Engineer Deepak Shrestha, the decision was taken with the objective of promoting tourism in Lumbini and increasing tourist arrivals, while raising Lumbini’s outreach within the international community to a new level.
The conference is scheduled for April 29 and 30, 2026 [2083 Baisakh 16 and 17 (BS)]. (english.hamropatro.com)
Main organizing committee formed
A meeting chaired by Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation and Chairperson of the Lumbini Development Trust, Anil Kumar Sinha, formed the main organizing committee for the International Buddhist Conference.
The meeting decided to form a 10-member main organizing committee, with Lumbini Development Trust Vice Chairperson Dr. Lharkyal Lama (Khenpo Chhime Chhiring) as the coordinator.
Budget and schedule update
The government has allocated a budget of Rs 3 crore for organizing the conference in the current fiscal year.
Shrestha said the conference had earlier been planned for November, but due to political and structural changes in the country, preparations are now being made to hold it in Lumbini on April 29 and 30, 2026 [2083 Baisakh 16 and 17 (BS)] on the occasion of the 2570th Buddha Jayanti. (english.hamropatro.com)
Objectives and expected participation
Main organizing committee coordinator Dr. Lama said the conference is being organized with the aim of promoting world peace through Buddhist religion and philosophy, and spreading the spirit of kindness, compassion, and global fraternity.
He expressed confidence that the conference will be attended by Buddhist scholars, gurus, distinguished guests, and important personalities from various fields from more than 60 countries.
Key discussion themes
The two-day conference will include discussions and paper presentations on the following areas:
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Lumbini, Kapilvastu, and the heritage of areas associated with Buddha
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The environmental condition of the Lumbini area
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World Buddhist heritage
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Buddhist education and culture
Reference to past conferences
The Lumbini Development Trust stated that the first and second International Buddhist Conferences previously held made significant contributions to Nepal’s religious, cultural, and tourism sectors.
Shrestha added that the main objectives of this year’s conference are to introduce Lumbini internationally through promotion, increase the significance of Buddhism worldwide, and promote tourism in Lumbini.
Lumbini Pradesh Conference