Buddha Jayanti, is being observed throughout the country with devotion and fervour in Nepal on Thursday. Nepal government has declared a national holiday on Thursday to mark the festivities. <br/> <br/>Several programmes were organized at Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha and in other parts of the country the day also marks the parinarma of Lord Buddha. <br/> <br/>Thousands of people thronged Soyambhu and Baudhanath stupas and several monasteries in Kathmandu and elsewhere in the Himalayan nation to offer butter lamps and pray for peace and prosperity of all sentient beings. <br/> <br/>In his message on the occasion, President Dr. Ram Baran Yadav stressed the need for reconciliation, consensus, understanding and coordination to fulfill people's desire for peace, good governance at a time when the country is passing through a critical phase. <br/> <br/>He hoped that Lord Buddha's message of peace and harmony would bring sustainable peace and stability in the country.<br/><br/>