The province of Nakhon Ratchasima in northeast Thailand is preparing for an extensive 11-day celebration called Vesak Week, dedicated to honoring Buddha and his teachings. The event will feature the display of sacred relics from Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Thailand. Commencing today, the festivities coincide with the 555th anniversary of Nakhon Ratchasima City and will be held at MCC Hall on the third floor of The Mall. Participants will have the opportunity to pay homage to Buddha statues and listen to renowned Thai speakers.
During the opening ceremony, Lieutenant General Sawarat Seangphol, the Commander of Army Region 2, will preside over the proceedings, including the ceremonial enshrinement of the holy relics at MCC Hall. This will allow both locals and tourists to pay their respects.
The Vesak Week celebration will encompass the Tri Laksana exhibition, designed to deepen understanding of the impermanence of life and the Wheel of Dharma, which consists of eight components leading to the cessation of suffering. Young visitors will have the chance to learn and apply these principles in their daily lives. Additionally, there will be 25 lifelike replicas of revered arahants for devotees to seek blessings from, including renowned monks such as Luang Pu Sao Kanatasilo and Luang Pu To Promrangsi.
Numerous activities will enable Buddhists to engage in merit-making, including offering robes, venerating Buddha statues, applying gold leaf to sacred Buddha images, and attending daily Dharma talks at 2 pm, among others. Distinguished monks from various parts of Thailand are scheduled to deliver speeches, including Acharn Warongkot Wiriyatharai from Wat Phutthaprompanyo in Chiang Mai and Rajchasuttiprachanath (Alongkot Tickhapanyo) from Wat Pra Bat Nam Pu in Lopburi. The event will run from June 1 to June 11 at MCC Hall, located on the third floor of The Mall Nakhon Ratchasima.
Visakha Bucha Day, observed on the full-moon day of the sixth lunar month according to Buddhist history, commemorates three significant events in the life of Lord Buddha: his birth, enlightenment, and passing.
