Religion: April 8 Set as International Buddhist Day in Cambodia

The royal government has set aside the date of 8 April as International Buddhist Day. This decision was made on August 19, 2024.

The objective of this initiative is threefold: firstly, to reinforce the position of Buddhism as the state religion of Cambodia; secondly, to foster international ties with other countries where Buddhism is practised; and thirdly, to disseminate the tenets of Buddhism in pursuit of peace within Cambodia and across the globe. This was the rationale set out in the government's decision, which was signed by Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet towards the end of last week.

Additionally, the International Buddhist Day is intended to commemorate the significant merits of His Majesty Preah Bat Samdech Preah Boromneath Norodom Sihamoni, King of Cambodia, who has been bestowed with the Royal Utmost Buddhist Honorary Title of "Preah Sri Loka Dhammika Raja" (Virtuous King for the Propagation of Buddhism in the World), as per the source.

The Ministry of Cults and Religious Affairs was charged with the responsibility of organizing the celebration of International Buddhist Day on an annual basis in collaboration with the two sects of Buddhism present in the country. This undertaking was to be carried out in conjunction with the Office of the Council of Ministers, the Ministry of Economy and Finance, other relevant ministries and institutions, sub-national administrative bodies, and other pertinent stakeholders.

As stated by the Ministry of Cults and Religious Affairs, there are currently over 5,000 pagodas with a combined population of nearly 70,000 monks in Cambodia.