Buddha Jayanti

Activities begin quite early in almost all major shrines and stupas on Buddha's Birthday in the full moon of Baisakh. The focal point of this extremely popular festival is the Swayambhunath (the self risen one) hill, which enshrines the largest of all Buddhist shrines; the lotus shaped Stupa. Thousands of Buddhist pilgrims from all over the globe come to pay homage to the 'self existent one'.

Many march through the streets of Kathmandu. Patan and Bhaktapur with images of the Buddha. Temples and hilttops are decked up gaily with prayer flags, flowers, lights, festoons and amazing ancient tapestry. 

A giant statue of Buddha is displayed along with hundreds of other Buddhist images. Fasting devotees make offenngs of food, flowers, coins and incense while yellow robed monks perform ceremonies with chants, prayers and dances. P-iceless old paintings, stamp collection and numerous other items are displayed on the walls all day and concludes with special performances by costumed dancers and ancient rites in major bahals.