The Permanent Mission of Cambodia to the United Nations hosted for the first time the Event on the International Recognition of the Day of Vesak at the United Nations Head
Quarters on 11 May 2006. The Event, which included the lighting of candles, the religious monks’ blessings, traditional dances performed by a number of Buddhist individual countries, and a reception, was deemed as the symbol for compassion, tolerance and peace for all people in the world.
In his welcome remarks, H.E Dr. Widhya Chem, Permanent Representative of Cambodia stated that he was honoured by the holy Message conveyed on the occasion by His
Holiness Samdech Preah Mahasumetheathipadey Tep Vong, the Supreme Patriarch of
Mahanikaya Buddhist Order of Cambodia. He was delighted with the presence of all distinguished guests, especially from Buddhist countries, who had come together for the celebration of International Recognition of the Day of Vesak. ( see whole texts of H.E Dr. Widhya Chem and of His Holiness Samdech Mahasumetheathipadey Tep Vong at http://www.un.int/cambodia).
Present at the celebration ceremony were the Guests of honour H.E Dr. Mok Mareth,
Senior Minister and Minister of Environment, Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha
Mahidol of Thailand, Mr. Vijay Nambiar, Under Secretary General and Special Advisor to the Secretary General as well as the Permanent Representatives of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Indonesia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Myanmar, Mongolia, Nepal, Spain, Sri Lanka, Turkey, Vietnam, and Japan as well as the Deputy Permanent Representatives of China, Republic of Korea, and distinguished guests from various Permanent Missions to the United Nations and from the Buddhist Council of New York.
The Vesak Celebration this year is especially auspicious because it falls on the Round Year of 2550 in the Buddhist Calendar and on a Friday, the day which Lord Buddha saw the enlightenment.
Vesak has been recognized internationally through the 34 country-sponsored United Nations Resolution A/RES/54/115, adopted on 15 December 1999. Vesak marks the most important event in the Buddhist religion as it celebrates the Day, when Lord Buddha was born, saw enlightenment and reached Nirvana, a state of perpetual peace.
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