Did you know? Visak Bochea Day
Khem Sovannara

Cambodia celebrates Visak Bochea Day every year, the day of birth of the Buddha. As a Buddhist country, Cambodia marks the Visak Bochea Day as one of the most important public holidays observed across provinces and cities.

All Buddhists, especially the elders, visit pagodas to join the monks as they teach about the journey of the Buddha in gaining enlightenment.

The ceremony lasts until nighttime as people gather at holy places or in any place where there’s water so they can release floating lanterns and Pratip (illuminated floats) and pray for happiness.

This year, we will be celebrating the Visak Bochea Day on May 18.
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Cambodia Celebrates Visak Bochea Day
AKP Phnom Penh, May 18, 2019

Thousands of Buddhist followers from all walks of life gathered this morning at Phnom Preah Reachtroap (Oudong) in Ponhea Leu district, Kandal province, where a stupa of Buddha’s relics is located, to mark the Visak Bochea Day.

This annual celebration was presided over by Senate President Samdech Vibol Sena Pheakdei Say Chhum with the participation of His Holiness Buddhist Supreme Patriarch General Tep Vong, Buddhist Supreme Patriarch of Dhamma Mahanikaya; and His Holiness Samdech Preah Abhisiri Sugandha Mahasangharajah Dhipati Bour Kry, Great Supreme Patriarch of Dhammayuttikaya of Cambodia.

Ambassadors of Buddhist countries accredited to Cambodia were also present at the event.

Meanwhile, some 300 Buddhist monks invited to the event were offered foods, drink, and cash in order to praise the soul of death for the peaceful lives.

Visak Bochea Day, which is a birth, enlightenment, and nirvana day of Master Buddha, for the Buddhist countries, including Cambodia, was internationally recognised by the United Nations in 2000. It is a public holiday and an occasion where the Buddhist followers are reminded of Buddha and his teachings.
http://akp.gov.kh/post/detail/9607

18 May 2019, Visak Bochea celebrations in Sihanoukville.







Photos Huy Bunleng

Cambodian Leaders Extend Best Wishes to Compatriots on Visak Bochea Day
AKP Phnom Penh, April 26, 2021 --

National Assembly President Samdech Akka Moha Ponhea Chakrei Heng Samrin and Prime Minister Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo HE have extended best wishes to their compatriots as well as the Buddhist followers on the Visak Bochea Day.

“Today, not only Cambodians, but also all Buddhist followers around the world celebrate this very important religious festival," they wrote on their respective official Facebook pages this morning.

The two leaders also highlighted the annual event's meaning and its recognition by the UN as an international religious festival on Dec. 15, 1999.

They wished all his compatriots as well as the Buddhist followers longevity, nobility, health, strength, and intelligence, and be safe from COVID-19.

Generally, this annual religious ceremony is celebrated on the top hill of Preah Reach Troap (Oudong) in Ponhea Leu district, Kandal province, where a stupa of Buddha’s relics is located. But since last year, due to the COVID-19 threats, the mass gathering at Oudong has been cancelled.

Visak Bochea Day is a birth, enlightenment, and nirvana day of Master Buddha, for the Buddhist countries, including Cambodia. It is a public holiday and an occasion where the Buddhist followers are reminded of Buddha and his teachings.

By C. Nika
AKP

Cambodia Celebrates Visak Bochea Day after Two Years of Interruption
AKP Phnom Penh, May 15, 2022 --

Thousands of Buddhist followers from all walks of life gathered this morning at Phnom Preah Reachtroap (Oudong) in Ponhea Leu district, Kandal province, where a stupa of Buddha’s relics is located, to mark the Visak Bochea Day, after two years of interruption due to COVID-19.

This annual celebration was presided over by Senate President Samdech Vibol Sena Pheakdei Say Chhum and his spouse, and Samdech Kittiprittpundit Bun Rany HE, President of the Cambodian Red Cross (CRC), with the participation of His Holiness Samdech Preah Abhisiri Sugandha Mahasangharajah Dhipati Bour Kry, Great Supreme Patriarch of Dhammayuttikaya of Cambodia.

Meanwhile, Buddhist monks invited to the event were offered foods, drink, and cash in order to pray for the soul of the deaths to rest in peace.

Visak Bochea Day, which is a birth, enlightenment, and nirvana day of Master Buddha, for the Buddhist countries, including Cambodia, was internationally recognised by the United Nations in 2000. It is a public holiday and an occasion where the Buddhist followers are reminded of Buddha and his teachings.
- AKP

Cambodia Celebrates Annual Visak Bochea Day
AKP Phnom Penh, May 04, 2023 --

Thousands of Buddhist followers from all walks of life gathered this morning at Phnom Preah Reachtroap (Oudong) in Ponhea Leu district, Kandal province, where a stupa of Buddha’s relics is located, to mark the Visak Bochea Day.

This annual celebration was presided over by Samdech Krolahom Sar Kheng, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Interior, with the participation of His Holiness Samdech Preah Abhisiri Sugandha Mahasangharajah Dhipati Bour Kry, Great Supreme Patriarch of Dhammayuttikaya of Cambodia.
Representatives of some foreign embassies in Cambodia were also present on the occasion.

Meanwhile, Buddhist monks invited to the event were offered foods, drink, and cash in order to pray for the soul of the deaths to rest in peace.

Visak Bochea Day, which is a birth, enlightenment, and nirvana day of Master Buddha, for the Buddhist countries, including Cambodia, was internationally recognised by the United Nations in 2000. It is a public holiday and an occasion where the Buddhist followers are reminded of Buddha and his teachings.
By C. Nika