Pravrajya ceremony held for 500 novice monks in Lumbini [In Pictures]

KATHMANDU: A Pravrajya ceremony for 500 Shramneras, or novice monks, has begun in Lumbini.

At the Mayadevi Temple complex in Lumbini, 500 participants received yellow robes, or Chibar, from senior Buddhist monks and were initiated into the Shramanera (novice monk) ordination.

The program was organized jointly by the All Nepal Bhikkhu Association and the Thai Bhikkhu Association in collaboration with the Lumbini Development Trust and several other organizations.

Speaking at the event, Thai Ambassador to Nepal, Suwapong Sirisorn, described the opportunity to receive Buddha’s teachings at Lumbini as a significant moment. He assured that Thailand is always ready to cooperate in such initiatives.

Similarly, Dr Lharkyal Lama, the vice-chairperson of the Lumbini Development Trust, emphasized the importance of implementing Buddha’s teachings, even for a short period, at the Buddha’s birthplace.

The novice monks, clad in yellow robes, are required to follow the Ten Precepts of Buddhism. While lay followers observe the Five Precepts (Panchashila) or Eight Precepts (Ashtashila), the novice monks must fully adhere to Buddhist rules until the program concludes on March 16.

The ordination process began on February with head-shaving ceremonies at Aksheshwar Mahavihar in Lalitpur.