The Royal Government of Cambodia has decided to establish April 8 every year as the International Buddhist Day in the Kingdom.

The move is aimed to enhance Buddhism, the state religion of Cambodia, increase international ties with other Buddhism-practicing countries, and disseminate the Buddhism’s path for peace in the national society and the world, said the government’s decision signed late last week by Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet.

Another purpose of the International Buddhist Day is to remember the great merits of His Majesty Preah Bat Samdech Preah Boromneath Norodom Sihamoni, King of Cambodia, who have received the Royal Utmost Buddhist Honorary Title of ‘Preah Sri Loka Dhammika Raja’ (Virtuous King for Propagation of Buddhism in the World), the source added.

The Ministry of Cults and Religious Affairs was instructed to organise the celebration of International Buddhist Day every year in cooperation with the two sects of Buddhism in the country, the Office of the Council of
Ministers, the Ministry of Economy and Finance, other ministries and institutions, sub-national administrations, and other stakeholders.

According to the Ministry of Cults and Religious Affairs, there are currently more than 5,000 pagodas with a total of nearly 70,000 monks in Cambodia.

Source: Agence Kampuchea Presse