Embassy of Nepal in Paris organised a programme to mark the Visit Lumbini Year 2012 (VLY-2012) on January 27, 2012 in Paris, France.

In the inaugural programme, a candle was lit in front of Lord Buddha's statue by Mohan Krishna Shrestha, ambassador of Nepal to France.

Acquainting about the government's decision of observing the VLY-2012, Ambassador Shrestha briefed on Lord Buddha's  teaching on peace and also appealed to the guests to preach and practice the teachings of Lord Buddha and visit Lumbini to achieve peace of mind.

He said Lumbini is the place to visit for every Buddhists and peace loving people.

Guests were shown a CD on Lumbini and Lord Buddha's life. Finally, a Nepali dinner was served to the guests.

Guests from the French Foreign Ministry, Ambassadors of India, Myanmar, Macedonia, Montenegro, Tanzania and other senior diplomats from the other diplomatic missions, French dignitaries from different walks of life including former Ambassadors to Nepal, Nepalese Honorary Consul/Consul General, Professors, Travel Agencies, Presidents of Nepalese Associations, UNESCO Professionals, and long term Nepali Residents in France attended the program. nepalnews.com