THE OFFICIAL SITE OF LUMBINI LIGHT & SOUND PROJECT
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LIGHT AND SOUND PROJECT ON GAUTAM BUDDHA AT LUMBINI, NEPAL
LIGHT AND SOUND PROJECT IN LUMBINI BY SOUTH ASIA FOUNDATION (SAF) & SOUTH ASIA FOUNDATION-NEPAL (SAF-NEPAL)
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Executive Summary
South Asia Foundation (“SAF”) and South Asia Foundation-Nepal (SAF-Nepal) (jointly known as “The Foundation”) have conceptualized and are proposing a state-of-the-art Light and Sound show which will tell the magnificent story of Prince Siddharth and his transformation to The Buddha. The story will be a light and sound spectacular aided by lasers, holographic imagery and sounds set in the North Pond in Lumbini, the birthplace of The Enlightened One.
Project Stakeholders and Progress to Date
SAF, which is a registered non-governmental voluntary organisation with a rich history of development work in the South Asian region, will work with its sister organisation South Asia Foundation-Nepal (“SAF-Nepal”) and the Lumbini Development Trust (“LDT”) upon approval from the Government of Nepal to bring this project to fruition.
Noted Indian film maker and director Mr. Shyam Benegal has signed an agreement with SAF to undertake the aesthetic design, create the contents and script based on extensive research done by SAF. The project was conceptualized at the behest of various Buddhist scholars, eminent citizens of Lumbini and prominent people from various walks of life in Nepal.
The Foundation organised a seminar on the auspicious day of Buddha Jayanti, May 05, 2023 at Lumbini which was inaugurated by Sh. Sudan Kirati, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Culture and Civil Aviation, Government of Nepal in the presence of Sh. Madhav Kumar Nepal, Hon’ble Member of the House of Representatives, Nepal and former Prime Minister. A three-day seminar followed the inauguration to finalise the script, content and other details of the show.
The Foundation and LDT have since signed a Memorandum of Understanding to this effect. Prior to a binding agreement being signed, work is underway in completing all the formalities with various governmental departments given the historical significance of the site as well as being a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Image: The Lumbini World Heritage Site, Light & Sound Show location circled in red
The Light and Sound Show Spectacular
The light and sound show will tell the transformation of Prince Siddharth to The Buddha both dramatic in its writing as well as visually stunning with skillful use of digital technology and holography. The show will take place twice daily post sunset.
It will put together the most significant aspects of Prince Siddharth’s search and enlightenment. The show also recreates the journey through a virtual walk into the 6th century B.C through digitally created images and to the Asoka Stambh, erected by the emperor to mark the spot where The Buddha was born.
Image: Schematic of the projection equipment, speakers and lasers
Fully automated projection equipment will be installed, programmed using cutting-edge technology to project large, synchronized images with music and voiceover specially created for the show. The projection equipment will consist of multiple projections to create an ambience of the era of The Buddha. Laser and projection lights, search beams and vertical projection lights will be used to create images, some of which will be projected onto the water fountain forming a semi-transparent screen used for holographic display. A water screen will be created using the fine mist of water spread into the air, using holo-jet nozzles that will diffuse the light from the projector resulting in the illusion of a floating 3-D image.
The project requires state-of-the-art speakers that will be installed in the complex. The speakers are designed such that they will be audible only to the audience of the show whilst still maintaining the tranquility of the gardens and the vicinity.
Financial Proposal
The project is estimated to cost NPR 22 crores and financed by a funding matrix consisting of private investors, corporate sponsorship, bank debt as well as grant-in-aid. Due to the nature and location of the project, it is also anticipated that there will be interest from Government and non-government institutions and private sponsorships to participate in the project.
The revenue projections are based on the footfall data of 3,500 per day average for the past 10 years provided by LDT. The data has been normalised for COVID lockdowns in 2020 & 2021. Projections have also been made for Jun – Dec 2023.
We have assumed ticket sales of 300 per day which is ~10% of the average Lumbini football per day and factored in 10% increase every two years.
The revenue projections are based on tickets prices of NPR 100 for subcontinental visitors and $10 for all other passport holders. Provisions has also been made for sale of branding opportunities.
Operating costs are based on current market prices and for human resources increments of 10% factored every 2 years. The energy costs are based on consumption provided by technicians.
The project is expected to generate operating profit from Year 1.
Other Significant Considerations
The Project also dovetails into multiple initiatives and opportunities initiated by the Government of Nepal as well as development partners invested in the cultural and economic development of Lumbini and Nepal.
This Project can be tested as a model for other cultural heritage sites like Pashupatinath Temple, Janakpurdham’s Janaki Temple, Durbar Squares in Basantpur, Patan & Bhaktapur, Phewa Tal, etc. It also fits in with the Nepal Government’s stated ambition for generating newer and larger revenue streams from tourism both internally & externally. As the shows will be held at dusk, this could potentially add a night’s stay in Lumbini thus benefiting the local hoteliers and creating employment opportunities for the locals.
Government of Nepal, Government of India, World Bank, ADB, various international agencies and institutions are focussing on improving the infrastructure at Lumbini and developing the Buddhist Circuit pilgrimage and having an added attraction with cutting edge technology would add further activities for tourists and broaden the appeal to younger demographics.
The appeal of the philosophical teachings of The Buddha are as relevant today as any other time in history and the Project is an opportunity to provide an audio and visual spectacular which would enrich the visitor experience to Lumbini, the birthplace of The Buddha.