Oudong, Kandal Province – May 11, 2025: Cambodia observed Visak Bochea Day 2025 with a solemn and spiritual ceremony at Phnom Preah Reachtroap (Oudong), home to the revered stupa of Buddha’s relics. The event drew thousands of Buddhist followers from across the country to honour the birth, enlightenment, and passing of Lord Buddha.
Presided over by H.E. Aphi Santepundit Sar Sokha, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, along with his spouse, the ceremony was attended by senior monks and dignitaries, including His Holiness Samdech Preah Abhisiri Sugandha Mahasangharajah Dhipati Bour Kry and His Holiness Samdech Preah Pothivong Kittipundit Noy Chrek.
Representatives from several foreign embassies also participated, underscoring the event’s cultural and diplomatic significance.
As is tradition, Buddhist monks were invited and offered food, drink, and alms in memory of deceased loved ones, with prayers offered for peace and spiritual liberation.
The Significance of Visak Bochea Day
Visak Bochea Day, also known internationally as Vesak, is the most important holiday in the Buddhist calendar. It commemorates the Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and parinirvana, all of which are believed to have occurred on the same full moon day.
The United Nations officially recognised Visak Bochea as an international day of observance in 1999, with global celebrations beginning in 2000. In Cambodia, it is a public holiday celebrated nationwide through temple visits, almsgiving, prayer, and acts of merit.
Oudong: A Site of Spiritual and National Importance
Located in Kandal province, Oudong was once the royal capital of Cambodia and remains a major spiritual centre. The hilltop stupa housing Buddha’s relics attracts pilgrims year-round, with Visak Bochea marking its most significant annual gathering.
The peaceful ceremony at Oudong in 2025 highlighted Cambodia’s deep-rooted spiritual heritage, national unity, and ongoing commitment to preserving Buddhist values such as compassion, mindfulness, and non-violence.
