Buddhists observe Visak Bochea Day at Phnom Preah Reach-Trop in Kandal province on May 4. Heng Chivoan
Prime Minister Hun Sen described the May 4 Visak Bochea Day as one of the most important religious festivals in the world, as it marks the three most important events in the life of Buddha: Birth, enlightenment and death.
The premier took to social media early on May 4 to note that the day was not just observed in Cambodia, with Buddhists all over the world celebrating this important occasion.
“The three most important events in the Buddha’s life occurred on the 15th day of the full moon, in the month of Vaisakha, although in different years. In December 1999, the UN recognised Visak Bochea as an international religious holiday that should be celebrated around the world,” he said.
At 3am on the morning of May 4, venerable Duong Phang, member of the Constituent Assembly of Buddhism and chief monk of Wat Prek Prang, led monks and other members of the faithful on a pilgrimage around the Maha Sakyamuni Stupa.
The stupa, which is located on the peak of the Phnom Preah Reach-Trop – the ancient capital city of Oudong – in Kandal province’s Ponhea Leu district, houses the bones of the Buddha.
Sar Kheng, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, participated in the observation of Visak Bochea Day at the stupa.
On the eve of the festival, Chhun Sirun, lawmaker for Kandal province, called for the monks and general public of the province to join the celebrations.
“This occasion as an internationally recognised celebration that is open to anyone, anywhere in the world,” he said.
Sar Sokha, secretary of state at the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, shared his best wishes with the Buddhists who would be attending ceremonies in pagodas all across the Kingdom, as well as the world.
“I wish Buddhists all over Cambodia – as well as the whole world – to find happiness and prosperity and the four Buddha blessings: longevity, nobility, health and strength,” he said.
The National Committee for Organising National and International Festivals had advised all state institutions to take part in marking the occasion.
