Buddhists celebrate Vesak Day

BANGKOK, June 4 (TNA) - Devout Buddhists throughout Thailand and in several other Southeast Asian countries Monday celebrated the Vesak Day which commemorates the birth, enlightenment and passing of the Lord Buddha. This year’s Vesak Day, known as Visaka Bucha Day in Thailand, holds a special significance as it also marks the 2,600th anniversary of Lord Buddha’s Enlightenment. Buddhists in the Thai capital dressed in white joined in the celebrations of the Vesak Day held at Sanam Luang ceremonial ground and offered alms to 214 monks as well as paying respects to Lord Buddha’s relics taken from the nearby Grand Palace by the City Hall for the special event. Many people from upcountry also traveled to Bangkok to participate in the important Buddhist religious day. They are prepared to chant prayers tonight until dawn Tuesday, an event organised by Buddha Promotion Centre of Thailand. As Monday is the last day celebrating the 2,600th anniversary of Lord Buddha’s Enlightenment, many Buddhists also paid special attention to the Buddha image brought from the Indian ancient town of Nalanda, known as one of the first great universities in recorded history of teaching Buddhism. Celebrations are also held in the northernmost province of Chiang Rai. Lord Buddha’s relics were taken from the chapel of Wat Phra Sing, allowing Buddhists dressed in white to pay respects. They also prepared Kao Matupayas, also known as KaoThip, and offered to monks. Kao Thip or milk rice is normally prepared on special Buddhist religious day. University students in the northeastern province of Sakon Nakhon early Monday attended preaching by monks at a landmark temple. More than 1,000 officials and people of the southern island of Phuket walked to a temple in Muang district, listened to preaching and offered alms to 99 monks. School students also joined in candle-lit processions to display respects on this special day. (TNA)