Visakha Puja Festival will be held on a grand scale in Thailand later this month in celebration of the 80th birthday anniversary of His Majesty the King, who is recognized as the model of  Dhammaraja, or the King of Righteousness.


The Cabinet has approved a budget of 64.5 million Bahts for related agencies to organize activities in commemoration of this special occasion from May 26 to 31. Out of this amount, Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University receives 20 million Bahts, Office of National Buddhism 19.5 million Bahts, the Religious Affairs Department 17.8 million Bahts, and the Government Public Relations Department 7.2 million Bahts.

Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont said that the Visakha Puja celebration would be held at three major sites, namely the United Nations Conference Center on Ratchadamnoen Nok Road in Bangkok, Buddhamonthon in Nakhon Pathom Province, and Sanam Luang Grounds in Bangkok. The Ministry of Interior has been assigned to help organize Visakha Puja Festival in other provinces.

Visakha Puja, or the Day of Vesak, has been celebrated internationally as a significant event after the United Nations General Assembly in December 1999 adopted a resolution for international recognition of the Day of Vesak. It falls on the full moon day of the sixth lunar month, coinciding with May 31 this year. The day commemorates the birth of the Buddha, his attainment of enlightenment, and his passing away. What makes the occasion extraordinary is that the three incidents took place on the same day but different years.

His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn is scheduled to preside over the opening ceremony of the Visakha Puja Festival in the afternoon on May 26 at Buddhamonthon. More than 1,000 Buddhist leaders, scholars, and members of Buddhist organizations from 60 countries will take part in the United Nations Vesak Celebration and the International Buddhist Conference at the United Nations Conference Center from May 27 to 29. Major topics of discussion include Buddhist Contribution to Development, Perspectives on Buddhism and Good Governance, Dissemination of Buddhism through Modern Technology, Preservation and Promotion of Buddhist Art, and Buddhist Meditation and Human Development.

The event at the United Nations Conference Center also includes a cultural performance, “The Vesak Day, 80th Birthday of His Majesty the King, and Sufficiency Economy,” along with speeches and messages, and chanting. At the end of the conference, the Bangkok Declaration and Buddhist Universities Agreement will be issued.

Monks and Buddhists from all over the world will be invited to join a spiritual walk from Utthayan Road to Buddhamonthon on May 29 from 4:00 p.m. onwards. When they arrive at Buddhamonthon, they will participate in the candle-lit circumambulation ceremony, with monks leading members of the public to circle the temple three times.

Source :  Inside Thailand http://thailand.prd.go.th/the_inside_view.php?id=1880