Thais celebrate Vesak Day
Buddhists nationwide marked Vesak Day on Monday, which this year also marks the 2,600th anniversary of the enlightenment of the Lord Buddha, or Buddha Jayanti.
Vesak Day is celebrated to commemorate the three major events in the Buddha’s life – his birth, enlightenment and his death.
In the capital, Bangkok Governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra led thousands of Thais to mark the special day by giving alms to monks at Sanam Luang. Activities including exhibitions on the Buddha’s life, Dharma lectures and Buddhist practices were held as part of Buddhism Promotion Week and the International Day of Vesak, in honour of the Buddha’s 2,600 years of enlightenment.
Buddha relics were moved from the Grand Palace to Sanam Luang for the public to pay homage during this special occasion.
Her Majesty Queen Sirikit is scheduled to attend the ceremony at Sanam Luang at 5.35pm, while HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn will represent the Queen at a ceremony at Buddhamonthon in Nakhon Pathom at 4pm.
Buddhists nationwide also marked the occasion by making merit at temples.
In Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Lamphun, Si Sa Ket, Nakhon Ratchasima, Nakhon Phanom and Surat Thani, people gave alms to monks in the morning and prepared for the light waving rite in the evening.
The United Nations declared Vesak as an International Day in 1999 and encouraged the celebration to be marked around the world.
