The United States’ Texas legislature has adopted March 13 as Lumbini advocacy day and celebrated the first such day on Thursday.

According to the resolution adopted by the Texas state legislature, Nepali Lumbini Advocacy Day provides a fitting opportunity to recognise the many contributions of the Nepalese American community in Texas and to celebrate the rich history of the province of Lumbini in Nepal.

Texas is one of the most populous US states with Nepali diaspora in large numbers.

The resolution was brought by Suleman Lalani, representative of Democratic Party who was elected from district 76 and is also one of the first Muslims and South Asian lawmakers in the Texas legislature.

The resolution highlights the significant contributions of the Nepalese American community in Texas and emphasises the historical importance of Lumbini. The resolution acknowledges the 77 years of diplomatic relationship between the United States and Nepal.

Lumbini, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is revered as the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautam, the Buddha, and serves as a major spiritual destination, attracting millions of visitors and scholars annually, said the proposal stressing the need for commemorating the Lumbini advocacy day.

The resolution emphasises the vital role of the Nepalese American community in Texas's business, professional, and cultural sectors, and acknowledges the commitment of the participants in the advocacy day to enhance their positive impact in the future.

“The United States and Nepal have enjoyed a strong and productive friendship for 77 years; on April 25, 1947, the USA became the second country to establish diplomatic relations with Nepal, which opened its embassy in Washington, DC, in 1958; the American Embassy in Kathmandu began operations the following year; since that time, many Americans and Nepalis have formed people-to-people connections through educational and cultural exchanges,” said the resolution.

“One of the most sacred locations in Buddhism, Lumbini is recognised as the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautam, who became the Buddha; the area has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it is a major spiritual destination for people of the Buddhist faith; and whereas, Lumbini attracts millions of pilgrims and tourists annually, and it serves as a research center for scholars and archeologists; the area features such attractions as monasteries, temples, and historical landmarks, including the Maya Devi Temple, which marks the location of the Buddha ’s birth,” added the resolution.