Lumbini in Nepal is super special because it's the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama, who later became the Buddha. Every year, far away in Hyderabad (once under the rule of the Nizams), people celebrate the Lumbini Festival at the Nagarjuna Sagar Dam. The festival takes place for three days, starting on the second Friday of December, and brings to life both the ancient Buddhist heritage of the region and the colorful culture of the city.
In December 2025, the Lumbini Festival promises an exciting mix of tradition and creativity. You’ll see beautiful cultural dances, art shows, and craft stalls where local painters, sculptors, and artisans display their work with pride. There will also be religious ceremonies such as monks chanting, lighting of lamps, meditation sessions, and even processions with Buddha statues that feel peaceful and magical. This festival isn't just a celebration, it's like a time machine that takes everyone back 2,000 years to when Buddhism thrived in Andhra Pradesh, and it shows how the city of Hyderabad still honors that heritage with joy and pride.
Date & Venue of the Lumbini Festival 2025
- When? The Lumbini Festival in 2025 is expected to be a three-day event, starting on the second Friday of December and running through Sunday. This timing is consistent with previous years.
- Where? The primary venue is the Nagarjuna Sagar Dam, which serves as the main site for festivities in Andhra Pradesh. Some celebrations are also held in Hyderabad and occasionally extend to Nagarjunakonda or other areas, but the dam remains the central location.
History and Significance of Lumbini Festival Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh Tourism Department organizes the Lumbini festival to boost spiritual tourism in the state and highlight the history of Hyderabad and Buddhism, which is 2000 years old. Many believe Buddhism was only prevalent in the northern and northeastern states of India, like Ladakh, Sikkim, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura, and others, but that’s not true.
Buddhism became prevalent down south, majorly in Hyderabad, 2000 years ago and was a renowned centre for Buddhist activities, events, and festivals. According to some popular reports, Andhra Pradesh has approximately 140 Buddhist sites which proves that southern India was also enlightened by the teachings of Gautama Buddha. Hyderabad also has a popular Buddha statue located in the middle of Hussain Sagar. The statue has been carved from a single rock and is known as a monolith statue with a height of 72 feet that weighs more than 450 tons.
Major Attractions of Lumbini Festival in Hyderabad
The Festival is the time of the year when the teachings of Gautama Buddha are commemorated. The participation of various sculptors, artisans, and painters is another major highlight of this festival as they creatively demonstrate Buddha's life and his teachings through their art.
1. Monolith Buddha Statue
The statue is believed to be the largest single rock statue of Buddha in the whole wide world. An interesting fact behind the construction of this statue is that the Statue of Liberty inspires it in New York. It is claimed that when the then Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Late N. T. Rama Rao, visited New York, he was so impressed by the Statue of Liberty that he planned to have something similar in his state as well. After returning, he chose to have the statue of Gautama Buddha in the middle of the Hussain Sagar lake.
2. Special Celebration at the Port of Visakhapatnam
Lumbini Festival celebrations are not limited to Nagarjunasagar; one may also head to the port of Visakhapatnam to participate in many art and craft activities. During the Lumbini festival, Visakhapatnam, which is approx. 600km away from Hyderabad also witnesses an increase in the number of tourist footfalls as it is the hub of craftsmen and artisans. People visit the port to admire their art and their interpretations of Buddha’s teachings and his life.
3. Buddha Preachings
It is not a religious get-together. The motive of the Lumbini Festival is to spread Buddha preachings amongst people, especially youngsters. One can attend several sessions by Buddhist monks and learn some life-changing preachings.
4. Cultural Performances
The festival features traditional music, dance, and theatre performances that narrate episodes from Buddha’s life. These shows make learning about Buddhism fun and memorable, especially for children and families.
5. Art and Craft Exhibitions
Stalls set up by local and regional artists display handicrafts, sculptures, and paintings. Many of these works show stories from the Jataka tales and scenes from Buddha’s journey, making them both creative and educational.
6. Meditation Camps
Special meditation sessions are organized during the festival. Visitors get a chance to sit with monks and practice mindfulness, learning simple ways to relax and focus in their daily lives.
7. Processions and Lamp Lighting
One of the most eye-catching parts of the festival is the grand procession with Buddha statues and chanting. In the evenings, the lighting of thousands of oil lamps creates a magical and peaceful atmosphere by the riverside.
8. Food Stalls with Buddhist Influence
Visitors can also enjoy food stalls offering traditional Andhra dishes along with vegetarian meals inspired by Buddhist culture, making the experience both cultural and tasty.
How To Reach Hyderabad for Lumbini Festival 2025
Hyderabad is quite a popular tourist destination that has been attracting domestic and foreign tourists to its ancient sites, palaces, temples, events, culture, and cuisine. The city's well-developed transportation infrastructure allows tourists from all parts of the country to arrive here comfortably and conveniently. Continue reading to find out some popular modes and routes of travelling to Hyderabad.
- Nearest Major City. Secunderabad
- Nearest Airport. Rajiv Gandhi International Airport
- Nearest Railway Station. Hyderabad Deccan Railway Station
- Distance from Secunderabad. 8.6 Km
By Air
Rajiv Gandhi International Airport is the nearest airport to Nagarjunasagar. From the airport, one has to cover a distance of 25 km via a local taxi or a bus to reach the venue.
- Distance from Rajiv Gandhi International Airport. 27.5 km
By RailIf you are planning to commute to Hyderabad then there are several railway stations. The nearest one is Hyderabad Deccan Railway Station. The station receives trains like Dakshin Express, Telangana Express from Delhi, Hussain Sagar Express, Konark Express from Mumbai, Falaknuma Express and East Coast Express from Kolkata, and Jaipur Express and Kacheguda Express from Bengaluru.
- Distance from Hyderabad Deccan Railway Station. 150 Km
By Road
Going to Nagarjuna Sagar by road will allow you to admire the beauty of the villages, towns, and cities on your way. To give you an approximate idea, you will have to cover the following distance and route from the nearby prominent cities. You can also travel via inter-state tourist buses to Hyderabad at fairly economical prices.
- Distance from Secunderabad. 8.6 Km
- Distance from Papikondalu. 9.5 Km
- Distance from Mahbubnagar. 97.7 Km
- Distance from Warangal. 146 Km
- Distance from Raichur. 146 Km
- Distance from Nalgonda. 199 Km
- Distance from Karimnagar 163.6 Km
- Distance from Kurnool. 213 Km
- Distance from Bengaluru. 630 Km
Conclusion
The Lumbini Festival is not just an event, but a living celebration of Buddhist heritage in Hyderabad. Every year, the city comes alive with music, art, dance, and the peaceful messages of Lord Buddha. From the grand Monolith Buddha statue at Hussain Sagar to cultural shows, meditation camps, and craft stalls, the festival creates a space where spirituality and creativity meet.
By honouring the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama and showcasing the artistry of local talent, Hyderabad turns into a hub of culture and harmony during this time. The festival reminds people of values like peace, compassion, and togetherness, making it a truly unique experience for visitors of all ages.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Lumbini Festival
Q1. Where is the Lumbini Festival celebrated?
A1. The Lumbini Festival is celebrated in Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, showcasing the vibrant cultural heritage associated with Buddhism.
Q2. What is the significance of the Lumbini Festival?
A2. Lumbini Festival holds cultural and spiritual significance, commemorating the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama and showcasing the rich Buddhist heritage of Hyderabad.
Q3. When does the Lumbini Festival take place?
A3. The Lumbini Festival is an annual event. The specific dates may vary, so it is recommended to check the official schedule for the year.
Q4. What can visitors expect at the Lumbini Festival?
A4. Visitors can expect a vibrant celebration featuring art exhibitions, craft stalls, cultural performances, and a showcase of the city's Buddhist heritage.
Q5. How can one participate in the Lumbini Festival?
A5. To participate in the Lumbini Festival, one can attend the events and exhibits hosted during the festival in Hyderabad. Details and schedules are usually available on official platforms.
