BANGKOK, 17 May 2012 – The government is prepared to organize regional celebrations to mark the 2,600th year anniversary of Buddha’s Enlightenment.
Speaking at a conference, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Yongyuth Wichaidit has announced that the Interior Ministry and the Office of the Prime Minister have collaborated to organize nationwide activities to mark the day of Vesak in 2012. Held under the name of the 2,600th Buddha Jayanti celebration, activities, such as the ordain of monks and novices, candle light processions, merit-making and meditation, will be held to commemorate the 2,600th anniversary of Lord Buddha’s Enlightenment. Moreover, academic exhibitions and cultural activities will also be held as part of the celebrations, which will take place in all 76 provinces across the country, as an act of worship to the Lord Buddha.
Meanwhile, the public will be allowed to pay respect to the relic of the Buddha, which will be put on display at Sanam Luang on May 29. On Vesak Day 2012, which falls on June 4, candle light processions will also be held in Bangkok at Sanam Luang, as well as in Chiang Mai, Ubon Ratchathani, Pathum Thani and Nakhon Si Thammarat, which have been selected to represent their respective regions in hosting the regional activity.
Additionally, all provinces will also be gathering donations to support the future works of the Office of National Buddhism.
