Nepal Luring Tourists to Buddha's Birthplace

Nepal's president announced a campaign Saturday to lure hundreds of thousands of tourists and pilgrims this year to visit the area of the country where Buddha was born.

President Rambaran Yadav said Nepal is eager to welcome both devotees of Buddha and peace believers to Lumbini, in southwestern Nepal, where Buddha is believed to have been born 2,555 years ago.

"Let us spread peace not just in the country and among our people, but also in the world," Yadav said.

Buddha was born in Lumbini as Prince Sidhartha. Followers believe he left his family and kingdom and meditated in the jungles of Nepal and India before achieving enlightenment.