Feature: shrine in Kathmandu sees dwindling visitors for Buddha Jayanti after quake

Followed by the massive earthquake in Nepal, almost all of the world heritage sites in the region were heavily damaged. But thankfully, the Buddhist shrine Boudhanath stupa witnessed only minor cracks in the upper-most part of its structure.

Boudhanath stupa, one of the major centers of attractions of this Himalayan nation and its ancient massive mandala still stands tall and untouched by the disaster. However, the place looked empty on Monday afternoon despite the should-be special 2,559th Buddha Jayanti ceremonies.

Every Buddha Jayanti witnesses huge numbers of visitors from around the valley for the whole day amid special programs along with echoes of prayers and chanting of mantras. But this time, the scenario was starkly different.

Buddhist monk Jigme Lama, 76, who has been following the principles of Buddhism for the last 30 years, was offering special prayers on the occasion of Buddha Jayanti in the premises on Monday.

"At a time when the whole of Kathmandu has been devastated by the quake, this holy shrine has remained safe, which enables us to believe more in the power of Buddha, "he said.

Unlike the previous years, the premises of this unique piece of architecture looked almost empty during this day of celebrations.

After the quake, around one million people are believed to have left the Kathmandu valley whereas most of the people have returned to their villages and hometowns to arrange shelters after the collapse of their houses.

This has led to a finger-countable number of visitors to the site even on this holy occasion.

Dozens of shops selling oil lamps in the area seemed to be off duty, as they were just waiting for the Buddhist followers to come and buy their lamps.

Balaram Rai, who has been in the business for the last two years told Xinhua,"The flow of people is less than 50 percent this year. We used to sell huge number of oil lamps consuming around 5 drums of ghee but this time, only two drums have been consumed."

They sell one oil lamp for Rs 10 (about 10 U.S. cents). Generally, an individual lights between two and a few hundred lamps, depending upon their own choices.

Furba Sherpa, 59, dressed in a blue colored long skirt and scarf was among those who was buying oil lamps with her 9-year-old granddaughter Nikky.

"As every year, I am here to thank Buddha for his blessings to my family and all. I will light one hundred oil lamps and pray for the happiness and peace in my country as we faced a huge disaster recently. Everyone in this world should be safe and happy," Sherpa told Xinhua.

Most of the visitors in the area said that they offered prayers and lit oil lamps wishing for peace and well-being in the country.

As locals have been prohibited to enter the premise of Swoyambhunath, another Buddhist shrine in Kathmandu, people only have the option of visiting Boudha stupa since the earthquake.

But, owing to fear of aftershocks, they have been largely limited to their own homes and prayer-rooms even in Buddha Jayanti. Endi