Bangkok: Marking the internationally recognized Visakha Bucha Day, thousands of Thai Buddhists across the country gathered at temples to make merit and practice Dhamma in reverence to Lord Buddha.
On the auspicious full moon day of the Visakha month, Puneet Agrawal, Ambassador of India to Thailand, visited Wat That Thong Royal Monastery in Bangkok and participated in the sacred celebrations.
Welcomed by the monastery’s clergy and temple committee, the Ambassador paid homage to the revered Bodhi tree grown from a sapling brought directly from Bodh Gaya, India, the birthplace of Buddha’s enlightenment. He later offered prayers before Phra Buddha Sapphanyu, the principal Buddha image of the temple’s main chapel, and paid respects to Phra Rajworayansophon, the Abbot of Wat That Thong.
As part of the religious observances, Ambassador Agrawal offered Sanghadana (monastic requisites), joined devotees in chanting Buddhist prayers, and took part in the traditional Wien Tien candlelight procession. He also paid homage to the Holy Relics of the Buddha enshrined in the Princess Galyani Vadhana Mahachedi.
Accompanied by his spouse, the Ambassador offered sacred lamps seeking blessings, peace, and prosperity before concluding his visit.
The event was also attended by Dr. Chaitanya Prakash Yogi, Director of the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre, Embassy of India, Bangkok, and Santosh Ram Pratap Singh, Second Secretary at the Embassy of India.
The participation of the Indian envoy highlighted the enduring spiritual and cultural ties between India and Thailand, rooted in their shared Buddhist heritage.
