Staff reporters
Area Buddhists came by boat, bicycle and on foot to area
temples to mark Visakha Bucha Day, which this year was declared an
international day of peace.
Marking the triple occasion of the birth of Buddha, the day of his
enlightenment and his ascension to Nirvana, Visakha Bucha Day is one of the
three holiest days on the Buddhist calendar and this year was designated by
UNESCO as “World Peace Day.” The educational, scientific and cultural
organization’s proclamation cited Buddhism’s teaching of humanity, mercy and
tolerance as the reasons for the designation.
Commemorations began early, with residents and tourists descending on the
Pattaya Floating Market for a throwback merit-making activity where monks
arrived by boat to receive alms of dried food, rice and other consumables.
In South Pattaya, runners and bicyclists converged for a “meditation
walk-run.” The event saw the Pattaya Running Club and Cycling for Health
Club mix Dharma with exercise over three kilometers at Chalermprakiat Park.
The Thai Union Running Club for Health and the Fund for Health Promotion
Bureau held a similar walk-run in Chonburi. Participants made offerings at a
Buddhist alter praying to both their god and HM the King before hitting the
streets.
Walks of a different sort rounded out the day of Visakha Bucha activities.
Well into the evening, people turned out at area temples for circular
processions around statues of Buddha, holy gems and other objects.
Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome presided over two sets of triple circumambulations
at the Sanctuary of Truth and Chaimongkol Temple.
Another 300 people turned out at Thamsamakkee Temple, where people walked
with flowers, incense and candles in a parade around the temple grounds.
Abbot Sombun Rekha Dhammot led monks in chanting and prayer.
A predominantly military crowd of 500 joined another ceremony at Sattahip
Temple. Abbot Wibun Dhammabal led monks as worshipers made three laps around
the temple.
Finally, in Chonburi, Gov. Wichit Chatpaisit led local faithful in giving
alms to 54 monks.
Monks arrive by boat to
receive alms at Pattaya’s Floating Market.
Buddhists and guests gather
for religious ceremonies marking Visakha Bucha Day at the Sanctuary of
Truth.
Revered monks lead officers
and enlisted men around the temple at the Sattahip Naval Base.
Surat Mekavarakul, along with
family and friends, perform the Wien Thien at Wat Chaimongkol in South
Pattaya.
Thais and guests perform the
Wien Thien at Wat Chaimongkol in South Pattaya.
Thais and guests light candles
and incense during the Visakha Bucha Day ceremonies at Wat Chaimongkol in
South Pattaya.
People perform the Wien Thien
at the Sanctuary of Truth.
Runners and bicyclists set
off on a “meditation walk-run” through Chalermprakiat Park.
Thousands turn up for the Wien
Thien at Wat Thamsamakkee in South Pattaya.
