AKP Phnom Penh, January 28, 2021 --

Cambodia will celebrate the annual Meak Bochea Day on the top hill of Preah Reachtroap (Oudong), Ponhea Leu district, Kandal province, where a stupa of Buddha’s relics is located, on Jan. 28.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the National Assembly-Senate Relations and Inspection H.E. Mrs. Men Sam An will preside over this year’s celebration with the participation of high-ranking officials of the Senate, National Assembly and Government and many Buddhist followers.

As many as 300 Buddhist monks will join the celebration for blessing.

The directive of the Royal Government of Cambodia and the safety measures guided by the Ministry of Health will be well applied on the occasion in order to prevent possible community transmission of COVID-19 pandemic, according to a recent announcement of the National Committee for Organising National and International Festivals.

Cambodia, as well as other Buddhism-practicing countries, holds the event annually. It is a public holiday and an occasion where the Buddhist followers are reminded of Buddha and his teachings.

Meak Bochea commemorates a great meeting of Buddha and 1,250 disciples and it is the day where Buddha announced his passing away, which would happen three months later. He correctly predicted his death and it is now remembered as Visak Bochea Day (which also happens to be his birthday and enlightenment day).

(Photo: Khem Sovannara)

By C. Nika