It Is the Land of Peace: ABTO
Report by : Manoj Kumar Tripathi
Lumbini. The Association of Buddhist Tour Operators (ABTO) has taken a significant step towards strengthening Lumbini as a global center of Buddhist tourism. As per Ref. No. 01317/ABTO-03/2026, Mr. Ashok Kumar Gupta of Ashoka Lodge & Catering, Lumbini has been appointed as Lumbini City, Nepal Head (Honorary) in the ABTO Advisory Board. The appointment will remain effective from 12 December 2025 to 09 December 2026.
On this occasion, the ABTO leadership emphasized that Lumbini must be kept completely free from politics and protests, as it is the birthplace of Lord Gautam Buddha and a symbol of global peace. They stated that Buddhism teaches peace, compassion, and non-violence—not political agitation. Repeated political movements have disturbed the sanctity of this sacred land.
ABTO demanded that a 10-kilometer radius around Lumbini be declared a protest-free zone, ensuring that only Buddhist values and teachings prevail in the area.
According to the official ABTO communication, this honorary appointment has been made for the mission of promotion of humanity, peace, tourism, nature, spirituality, and culture worldwide. The association reiterated its guiding message:
“Sharing & Service to All” — committing to share knowledge, resources, and support with tourists, pilgrims, members, and non-members alike in a spirit of harmony and service.
Raising concerns about hardships faced by Buddhist pilgrims at the India–Nepal border, ABTO stressed the need for basic amenities such as toilets, drinking water, bathrooms, and fast-track immigration facilities. The association also proposed a special baggage tagging system for spiritual tourists to minimize unnecessary checks.
It was highlighted that pilgrims from countries like Thailand and South Korea often face serious inconvenience due to poor border management, forcing many to return without staying in Lumbini, which negatively impacts tourism and local livelihoods.
ABTO appreciated initiatives such as the JTS (Joint Together) Buddhist Tour, which connects Bodh Gaya, Rajgir, and Nalanda in India with Lumbini, Ramgram, and Devdaha in Nepal. The association also urged beautification of the Kakarhawa border and the historic Siddhartha Highway to encourage longer tourist stays and strengthen peace tourism.
