Phnom Penh: Cambodia celebrated this morning on the top hill of Preah Reach Troap (Oudong) in Ponhea Leu district, Kandal province, where a stupa of Buddha’s relics is located, the annual Meak Bochea Day. H.E. Hun Many, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Civil Service, presided over the celebration with the participation of many high-ranking officials, civil servants, and Buddhist followers.

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, some 80 Buddhist monks invited to the event were offered foods, drink, and cash in order to pray for the souls of the deceased to rest in peace. Cambodia, as well as other Buddhism-practicing countries, holds the event annually. It is an occasion where the Buddhist followers are reminded of Buddha and his teachings.

Meak Bochea commemorates a great meeting of Buddha and 1,250 disciples. It is the day when Buddha announced his passing away, which would happen three months later. He correctly predicted his death, and it is now remembered as Visak Bochea Day, which also happens to be his birthday and enlightenment day.