NAKHON PATHOM, 23 May 2012 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) will be hosting the “World Vesak Day Miracle” at Phra Pathom Chedi Temple in Nakhon Pathom province to mark the 2,600th anniversary of Buddha’s Enlightenment.
TAT Events Department Director Wiwatchai Boonyapak said that the TAT has joined hands with Nakhon Pathom province and Phra Pathom Chedi Temple to organize the “World Vesak Day Miracle” during 1-4 June as part of the celebration to commemorate the 2,600th anniversary of Lord Buddha’s Enlightenment, or Buddha Jayanti. The activity also coincides with the government’s move to promote domestic tourism under the Miracle Year of Amazing Thailand policy.
The celebration will be held under the theme of the lotus flower, which is an important symbol of Buddhism. The lotus flower is used by Buddhists to pay respect to the Three Jewels of the Buddhist religion, comprising Buddha, Dharmma (the teachings of Buddha) and Sangha (monks).
The lotus flower is also closely related to Vesak Day, or the birthday of Buddha, given lotus flowers miraculously appeared to support the first seven steps Buddha took directly after his birth. The flower was also used in the Lord Buddha’s teachings as well.
Activities held during the World Vesak Day Miracle will reflect the miracle of this important Buddhist day. Meanwhile, Phra Pathom Chedi Temple has been selected as the venue of the event as it is believed to be the origin of Buddhism in the Southeast Asian region.
