Cambodians observe Vesak Day

Cambodia marked Vesak Day, also known as the Vesak Bochea Day in the kingdom, on Thursday to commemorate the anniversary of the Buddha's birth, enlightenment and death.

Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen said the Vesak Bochea, always observed on the day of the full moon in May each year, is the most sacred day to Buddhists worldwide.

"The Vesak Bochea is one of the most important religious festivals, as it commemorates the day of the birth of Buddha, his attainment of enlightenment and his passing away," he said in a post on his official Facebook page.

He added that Buddhists in various countries around the world simultaneously mark the day.

According to Hun Sen, the United Nations recognized the Vesak Bochea as an international religious festival that should be observed at UN headquarters and other UN offices on Dec. 15, 1999.

Meanwhile, Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sar Kheng, along with hundreds of people, worshipped the Buddha at a religious event held at a Udong Mountain shrine in the former royal city of Udong in Kandal province.

At the event, hundreds of Buddhist monks also delivered sermons before receiving alms from people.

Vesak Bochea is a public holiday in the Buddhist-dominant Southeast Asian country, where approximately 95 percent of its 16 million people are Buddhists.

Buddhists give alms to monks on Vesak Day in Kandal province, Cambodia, on May 4, 2023. Cambodia observed on Thursday the Vesak Bochea Day, which commemorates the birth, enlightenment and passing of the Buddha.