Buddhists Nationwide Making Merit on Visakha Bucha (Vesak) Day

BANGKOK, June 1(TNA) - Buddhists throughout Thailand on Monday made merit to mark Visakha Bucha (Vesak) Day. Visakha Bucha Day is one of the most important days in Buddhism because of three important incidents in the life of The Lord Buddha – birth, enlightenment, and death In the Thai capital of Bangkok, Bangkok governor MR Sukhumbhand Paribatra led government officials, staff of state enterprises and Buddhists to give alms to 233 monks at the Sanam Luang ground where a Vesak Day fair is set for nine days from May 29 to June 9. In Nakhon Pathom province close to Bangkok, 987 monks received alms at Wat Phra Pathommachedi Temple. A large amount of Buddhists gave dried food and rice there. In the northern province of Uttaradit, white-clad people traveled by boats to make merits and ceremonially wash a pagoda of Wat Doi Phrathat in the middle of the reservoir of the Sirikit dam. In the northeastern province of Maha Sarakham, white-clad people gave alms to monks. Besides, local authorities organized walking, running and meditation activities to encourage general people to follow the five basic precepts of Buddhism and realize the significance of the religion. In the southern province of Narathiwat, white-clad Buddhists donate rice and dried foods to local monks and make merits for the peaceful spirits of people killed in violent incidents there. The gatherings were heavily guarded.(TNA)