Rayong celebrated the 2,600th anniversary of Lord Buddha’s enlightenment with a merit-making ceremony offering alms to 2,600 monks.
About 10,000 people turned out as Gov. Wichit Chatpaisit led the Buddhist Jayanti ceremony Feb. 24 on Sukhumvit Road in Rayong.
Wichit said Jayanti, which also marked the anniversary of 2,600 years of Nirvana, is being celebrated throughout the Buddhist world, albeit under different names. The offering of alms, he said, is considered as a religious opportunity for Rayong residents and also marks the 40-year anniversary of the Youth Buddhist Association of the World.
Rice and funds received through donations will go to aid 323 temples in Thailand’s strife-torn southern provinces.
The southbound lane on Sukhumvit Road in Rayong was turned into a sea of orange and white as residents presented alms to 2600 monks to celebrate Jayanti.
