In the midst of controversy surrounding the Hindi TV series Buddha, the Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB)  has introduced a 100-

rupee Nepali note that features Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha.

According to EKantipur, the NRB said the new note would be accessible only during the Dashain.

A bank spokesperson said the new note has a picture of the Ashoka Pillar, along with a message on the front side that Buddha was born in Lumbini. It displays the portrait of Mayadevi, Gautam Buddha’s mother in silver metallic on the front.

One of the special features of the note is that it also has a black dot which would help the blind to recognise it.

The name of the central bank in Latin script would be printed on the note along with the date of printing in both Christian Era and the Nepali Calendar “Bikram Sambat”.

In notes currently in circulation, the name of the central bank is printed in Devnagari only, and the notes do not have the date of printing.

The new note is being issued following a cabinet decision Aug 27.”Lumbini has been enlisted as World Heritage site and the bank thought the holy place needs to be published through currency as well,” said an official.

“The move also aims at ensuring the bank notes would be recognised outside the country too,” he added.