Thai Monks Begin Pilgrimage to Lumbini from Chitwan

Chitwan, Feb 16: A group of 25 Buddhist monks from Thailand, on a spiritual pilgrimage, departed from Maha Boudhha Monastery, Tinkhole on Monday morning, continuing their journey to Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha. The monks had arrived at the monastery on Sunday afternoon, having completed a 52-day journey from Thailand.

The monks’ route in Nepal will take them via Pulchowk in Narayangadh and along the Gaindakot corridor on the 53rd day of their journey. They were warmly welcomed and hosted overnight by the Buddhist Dharma Service Committee, Tinkhole, whose Chairperson, Dal Bahadur Gurung, formally bid them farewell Monday morning. Supporters escorted the monks on foot from Gondrang to Pulchowk, offering blessings and encouragement.

Chairperson Gurung noted that the pilgrims had travelled from Thailand through Assam and Tripura in India before entering Nepal. The journey, titled “Dhamma Yattra for Peace: To Lumbini, the Birthplace of Gautam Buddha”, is coordinated by monk Medhang Karesath Sthavir and is one of five ongoing world peace pilgrimages.

The monks are walking with prayers for global peace, aiming to reduce violence and promote moral living. Covering about 35 km per day, the group has undertaken a nearly 5,000-km journey from Thailand and plans to traverse 319 km within Nepal, reaching Lumbini by February 22.

Along the route, the pilgrims stop at monasteries and Buddhist stupas, engaging with local communities and spreading messages of non-violence, harmony, and spiritual well-being.