| Organisers in Bangkok are preparing
to host World Visakha Bucha Day celebrations from
May 6 to May 12, when Buddhist leaders from 47 countries
are expected to join in prayers marking the 60th
anniversary of His Majesty the King's accession
to the throne.
This is the second year that Thailand will host
such an event. It will include an exhibition of
Buddhism and cultural displays from various countries.
There will also be drama and dance performances
dedicated to His Majesty.
Caretaker Deputy Prime Minister Suwat Liptapanlop,
who is chairman of the organising committee for
the International Day of Vesak, said the government
has provided Bt69 million for the event.
May 7 will see the opening of a Buddhism Museum.
On May 8, Buddha relics from the Grand Palace
will be placed at Sanam Luang for ceremonies of
worship and Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri
Sirindhorn will preside over the opening of Buddhism
Promotion Week.
On the following day the Princess will chair a
prayer ritual at Wat Phra Kaew that will offer
blessings to His Majesty for the 60th anniversary
of his accession to the throne. Leading monks
from Thailand and 47 other countries will join
in the historic ritual, which will be the first
time that Buddhist monks from foreign countries
have prayed and offered blessings for His Majesty
the King.
On May 10, 7,000 monks from Thailand and other
countries, together with 12,000 Buddhists, will
chant blessings for His Majesty in a candle-lit
procession.
On May 12, people will be able to give alms to
560 monks at Sanam Luang.
Piyanart Srivalo
The Nation
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