Lumbini, June 27: The foundation stone for the Bhutanese Monastery to be constructed in Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, was officially laid today during a special religious ceremony.

The ceremony was attended by Bhutan’s Home Minister Lyonpo Tshering, Deputy Je Khenpo Dorji Lopen Rinpoche, and Nepal’s Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Khagda Raj Adhikari (Ganesh) Paudel. Bhutanese monks conducted traditional religious rituals and land consecration prayers to mark the commencement of the project.

The construction of the Bhutanese Monastery is regarded as a significant milestone in strengthening the cultural, religious, and diplomatic ties between Nepal and Bhutan.

Ms. Maksuda Oji, Director General of the Department of Culture and Dzongkha Development under Bhutan’s Ministry of Home Affairs, described the project as a historic achievement for Bhutan. She stated that the monastery would serve as a lasting symbol connecting Bhutan’s rich Buddhist heritage, culture, and spiritual traditions with the sacred birthplace of Lord Buddha.

She noted that the project follows the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed last year between the Royal Government of Bhutan and the Lumbini Development Trust, with construction beginning this year in accordance with the agreed timeline.

The first phase of the project, including the construction of the monastery’s boundary wall, has already been completed. Construction of the main temple has now officially begun, with the Royal Government of Bhutan aiming to complete the entire project within the next two years.

The proposed monastery will showcase Bhutan’s distinctive architectural style, religious art, and cultural heritage. It will include traditional Bhutanese structures, prayer halls, cultural exhibition spaces, and other facilities required for religious and spiritual activities.

According to Director General Oji, once completed, the monastery will provide Buddhist pilgrims and visitors from around the world with an opportunity to experience Bhutan’s unique culture, artistic traditions, and spiritual heritage. She added that the project reflects Bhutan’s aspiration, as a Buddhist nation, to share its distinctive architectural identity and devotion to Lord Buddha, while further enhancing Lumbini’s status as an international and multicultural Buddhist center.

Nepal and Bhutan Hold Bilateral Talks to Enhance Tourism Cooperation

On the sidelines of the foundation stone ceremony, high-level bilateral talks were held between government representatives of Nepal and Bhutan.

During the meeting, Nepal’s Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Khagda Raj Adhikari Paudel, and Bhutan’s Home Minister Lyonpo Tshering discussed ways to strengthen tourism cooperation, cultural exchange, and the longstanding relationship between the two countries.

The Nepali side proposed the establishment of direct air connectivity between Paro International Airport, Bhutan and Gautam Buddha International Airport in Bhairahawa, emphasizing that such a service would significantly promote religious tourism and facilitate travel between the two nations. Nepal also proposed the development of a Paro–Lumbini–Bodh Gaya Buddhist pilgrimage circuit to further strengthen South Asian Buddhist tourism.

During the discussions, Nepal also requested Bhutan to consider waiving or providing special concessions on the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) currently applicable to Nepali citizens visiting Bhutan, taking into account the close historical, cultural, and religious ties between the two countries.

Responding to the proposals, Home Minister Lyonpo Tshering stated that Bhutan had taken Nepal’s requests positively and would pursue further discussions at the appropriate government level. He also expressed the Royal Government of Bhutan’s sincere appreciation to the Government of Nepal for providing land and extending continuous support for the construction of the Bhutanese Monastery in Lumbini.

The bilateral meeting was attended by Members of Parliament Taufiq Ahmad Khan and Kanhaiya Baniya from Nepal, along with Bhutan’s Ambassador to Nepal, Major General Vetsop Namgyel, the Home Secretary of Bhutan, and other senior officials from both countries.