The International Council for the Day of Vesak (ICDV) has cancelled the 17th United Nations Day of Vesak event, an international observation of the Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and mahaparinirvana, which was scheduled to be held in Thailand in May, in the light of uncertainties and risks associated with the Covid-19 outbreak.
“Due to the recent outbreak of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (Covid-19), the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the disease a ‘Public Health Emergency of International Concern,’ and the Thai Ministry of Public Health, on February 26, has designated it as a dangerous communicable disease,” The ICDV stated in a letter.
“For these reasons, the Thai Sangha Supreme Council, on February 28, issued Resolution No.137/2563 on preventative measures against the spread of Covid-19. Item No.4 states, ‘Ecclesiastical chief officials should consider desisting from or postponing inviting any person from abroad to join in Sangha meetings or activities in Thailand.’
“Taking this situation into consideration, the International Council for the Day of Vesak has decided to cancel the 17th United Nations Day of Vesak event in in Thailand.”
The letter is signed by Ven. Prof. Dr. Pra Brahmapundit, a member of the Thai Sangha Supreme Council and President of the International Council for the Day of Vesak.
Vesak, also known as Buddha Purnima, commemorates three key events in the life of the historical Buddha, Shakyamuni, that represent the birth of Buddhism: the birth, enlightenment and passing away of Shakyamuni Buddha. The occasion is a public holiday in many countries in Asia and is celebrated by millions of Buddhists across the world.