In Lumbini, the location of Lord Gautam Buddha’s birth, work has started on the construction of an international Buddhist culture and heritage center for India. While visiting Lumbini last year, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former Nepalese Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba jointly laid a foundation stone. The Vikchhus performed a special act of worship and recitation as part of the construction process. The heritage would be built in the form of a lotus.

Acting Vice Chairman of Lumbini Development Trust Siddhi Charan Bhattarai noted that having an Indian monastery of international caliber in Lumbini was a matter of happiness during the land worship ceremony. It would contribute to elevating the stature of Lord Buddha’s birthplace. He added that strong cooperation between Nepal and India is required to increase Buddhist tourism because Nepal and India are not just neighbors but have been culturally linked for hundreds of years thanks to Lord Gautam Buddha. He predicted that the heritage’s construction would be completed in 1.5 years.

The construction of an international-level monastery, according to former vice chairman of the Trust Vikchhu Maittya, will aid in promoting spiritual and religious activities.

Dr. Vikchhu Dhammapiya, general secretary of the International Buddhist Confederation, said it was a significant day to start work on a contemporary heritage project promoting Buddhist culture in Lumbini. It would contribute to improving ties between India and Nepal.

The secretary of the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu, who is also a member of the international Buddhist confederation, also spoke during the program and shared his opinion that the development of a monastery would encourage spiritual pursuits.

The project will cost Rs. 1.60 billion, it was disclosed. The heritage building using zero net technology has been contracted to ACC India and Gorkha Builders .