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Observances are held throughout Nepal in May to mark Buddha Jayanti, a birthday of the Gautam Buddha, born in the Terai township of Lumbini in the 6th Century B.C. There are pilgrimages to Buddhist shrines, especially those at Swayambhunath and Boudhanath in the Kathmandu Valley. Pilgrims from all over Nepal make this a very colorful affair. The day falls on the full moon of the month of May and is celebrated to commemorate the birth, attainment of knowledge and the death of Lord Buddha.Thus, it is a thrice blessed day. The devouties worship are sang prayers in all the major Buddhist shrines such as Swayambhu, Boudhanath and Lumbini. The millions of devout Buddhists gather to chant prayers and to burn butterlamps. A giant figure of Lord Buddha is displayed to all the followers and hundreds of small shrines are visited and worshipped. Special flags, usually red, blue; yellow and white can be seen flying high above all the Buddhist households.
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