With the collaboration for the promotion of peace and cultural tourism in Lumbini, the Nepal Olympic Committee (NOC) teamed up with the Chinese Embassy in Nepal, Lumbini Development Trust (LDT), Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), and the Province Sports Council Lumbini to organize the Lumbini Peace Festival on April 5-6, 2024.
The festival, held in the sacred birthplace of Lord Buddha, Lumbini, covered a diverse array of activities designed to promote peace and cultural exchange. Among the highlights were the Lumbini International Peace Marathon where the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign & Affair Minister of Nepal Honorable Narayan Kaji Shrestha was the Chief Guest of the program which crowned its winners among the beautiful surroundings of the iconic site.
There were 5 categories of race where international participants of China, India, Sri Lanka and Pakistan were present. The full marathon had 57 participants, In the half Marathon for Female there were total of 16 participants, In 5k open Run 49 participants participated, In 5k Run School there were 73 participants including women & men and we also had a 3k walkathon for all the dignitaries.
The Routes of the event was certified by AIMS.
Cash prizes were awarded to the top 10 players in the marathon. The winner got five lakh rupees, the second got three and the third got two lakh rupees. Similarly, the fourth got one lakh, the fifth got 80,000 and the sixth got 60,000 rupees.
For the women's half marathon, the winner got Rs. Two Lakh, the second won Rs.160,000 and the third won Rs. 120,000.
Cash prize of Rs. 15000, 10,000 and 5,000 rupees was awarded to the top three finishers in the 5 km open race respectively. Similarly, prizes of 15,000, 10,000 and 5,000 rupees was arranged for the top three runners in the 5 km school boys and girls.
The winners:
Full Marathon (42.195 Km):
Half Marathon (21.11 Km):
5K School (Men)
5K School (Women)
5K Open
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Additionally, the Lumbini International Meditation Day provided participants with a thoughtful space for reflection and inner peace with more than 200 monks enchanted the words of peace.
One of the festival's standout events was the Lumbini Peace Concert, featuring performances by renowned artists such as Ani Choying Dolma, Mr. Manoj Singh; esteemed artists from China Ms. Lu Ning, and Ms. Wulan Tuya. The enchanting melodies through the air, further intensifying the message of peace and unity.
Dignitaries including the President of NOC and former Minister and President of NOC, Mr. Jeevan Ram Shrestha, His Excellency Ambassador Chen Song of the Chinese Embassy, Mr. Jaya Prakash Bhattrai, Member Secretary, Province Sports Council, Mr. Sanu Raja Shakya, Member Secretary of LDT and Ms. Nandini Lahe-Thapa, Officiating CEO of NTB, graced the Peace Concert with their presence. They commended the success of the festival and highlighted the importance of promoting Lumbini as a global hub for peace and cultural tourism.
The main goal of the event was to showcase Lumbini as an example of peace on the world stage, leveraging the power of sports, music, and meditation to attract visitors from around the globe. By uniting diverse stakeholders in a common cause, the Lumbini Peace Festival exemplified the spirit of cooperation and harmony, echoing the timeless teachings of compassion and tolerance espoused by Lord Buddha.
