Thailand marks Vesak Day

BANGKOK, May 26 (TNA) - Five thousand Buddhist leaders and monks from all over the world join the 15th United Nations Day of Vesak commemorations in Thailand. His Holiness Somdet Phra Ariyavangsagatayana, the Supreme Patriarch of Thailand, arrived at Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University (MCU) Conference Hall in Wang Noi, Ayutthaya, Friday morning to preside over the opening ceremony. General Bundit Malaiarisoon, representative of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun, gave an inauguration speech. Since 2000, Buddhist countries have hosted International Day of Vesak. The Day of Vesak marks the three major events in the life of Buddha - the birth, the Enlightenment and the death. Buddhists join events and religious ceremonies on one of the most auspicious days in Buddhism, the full-moon day in the sixth lunar month. On Sunday, the commemoration of the Day of Vesak will be held at Phutthamonthon in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand will celebrate the Day of Vesak, or Visakha Bucha Day, on Tuesday. (TNA)