Cambodia Celebrates Annual Visak Bochea Day to Reflect on Buddha’s Teachings

AKP Phnom Penh, May 11, 2025 --

The grand ceremony of Visak Bochea Day was held at Phnom Preah Reachtroap (Oudong) in Ponhea Leu district, Kandal province, where a stupa of Buddha’s relics is located, with the participation of thousands of Buddhist followers from all walks of life. 

This annual celebration was presided over by H.E. Aphi Santepundit Sar Sokha, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Interior, and his spouse with the participation of His Holiness Samdech Preah Abhisiri Sugandha Mahasangharajah Dhipati Bour Kry, Great Supreme Patriarch of Dhammayuttikaya of Cambodia, and His Holiness Samdech Preah Pothivong Kittipundit Noy Chrek, First Deputy Supreme Patriarch of Dhamma Mahanikaya of the Kingdom 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 commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and nirvana of Master Buddha, is a significant religious holiday in Buddhist countries, including Cambodia. It was internationally recognised by the United Nations as an official religious observance in December 1999, with the first global celebration held in 2000. In Cambodia, it is a public holiday and an important occasion for Buddhists to reflect on the life and teachings of the Buddha.