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Nepal
is known worldwide as
the birthplace of Buddha.
Lumbini in Nepal is
without doubt a land
where Buddha was born.
In 2nd century BC emperor
of India Ashok set up
a pillar in Lumbini.
Ashoka is also suspected
of having built four
stupas in Patan in the
memory of Lord Buddha.
Ancient Nepal has come
into contact with Buddhism
in the earlier days
of Mauryan dynasty in
India. As the Mauryan
dynasty spread beyond
the Himalayas of Nepal
for the first time it
was in contact with
Buddhism. Today, nearly
26% of the total population
of Nepal is Buddhist.
With its proximity to
Nepal in Tibet it is
all the more intimate
with Buddhism and its
rituals. Besides the
Tibetan Buddhism, Nepal
also practices Vajrayana
Buddhism. The sparsely
populated regions of
northern Nepal are avid
followers of Buddhism.
Buddhism of Nepal is
a fusion of rituals
practiced by Hindus
in India and Buddhists
in Tibet. Lhomi, Nyimba,
Dolpa, Sherpa, Thakali,
Lopa and Manangi are
the main followers of
Buddhism in Nepal. Many
ethnic groups in Nepal
like Lepcha, Tamang,
Gurung, Magar, Thami,
and Yakkha Newar are
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