Phnom Penh: The grand ceremony of Visak Bochea Day was held at Phnom Preah Reachtroap (Oudong) in Ponhea Leu district, Kandal province, where a stupa of Buddha’s relics is located, with the participation of thousands of Buddhist followers from all walks of life.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, this annual celebration was presided over by H.E. Aphi Santepundit Sar Sokha, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Interior, and his spouse. The event also saw the participation of His Holiness Samdech Preah Abhisiri Sugandha Mahasangharajah Dhipati Bour Kry, Great Supreme Patriarch of Dhammayuttikaya of Cambodia, and His Holiness Samdech Preah Pothivong Kittipundit Noy Chrek, First Deputy Supreme Patriarch of Dhamma Mahanikaya of the Kingdom of Cambodia.
Representatives from several foreign embassies in Cambodia were also present on this significant occasion. Meanwhile, Buddhist monks invited to the event were offered food, drink, and cash to pray for the souls of the deceased to rest in peace.
Visak Bochea Day commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and nirvana of Master Buddha and holds great importance in Buddhist countries, including Cambodia. The United Nations officially recognized it as a religious observance in December 1999, with the first global celebration taking place in 2000. In Cambodia, Visak Bochea Day is a public holiday, providing an opportunity for Buddhists to reflect on the life and teachings of the Buddha.