PM Narendra Modi unlikely to visit Lumbini, Janakpur during Nepal trip

KATHMANDU: Prime Minister Narendra Modi may not visit Lumbini, the birth place of Lord Buddha, and Janakpurdham, the birth place of Sita, during his trip to Nepal due to inadequate security arrangements.

"So far, we have not included the Indian Prime Minister's visit to Lumbini or Janakpur in the itinerary," said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Deepak Dhital, adding the detailed itinerary of Modi's two-day visit is yet to be finalised.

Sources close to the ministry said that Prime Minister Modi is likely to announce separate packages of assistance for the development of Pashupati, Lumbini and Janakpur during the visit.

Modi will offer prayer at the Pashupatinath temple. He will visit the temple on Monday of the month of Shrawan as per the Hindu calendar, which is regarded as holy occasion for the Hindus.

Authorities at the Pashupatinath temple are currently engaged in preparation for Modi's visit.

Temple officials hope that Modi would announce assistance for renovation and preservation of the temple premises as India attaches so much importance to the place.

Lumbini, which is about 180 kms from Kathmandu, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site specifically nominated for the international World Heritage programme.

Janakpur, also known as Janakpurdham, is located about 123 km south-east of Kathmandu, 20 km from the Indian border.