Visak Bochea Day is one of the most important Buddhist holidays in Cambodia. It is held annually on the 15th day of the sixth month in the Buddhist calendar (from late April to mid-May in the Gregorian calendar) to commemorate the birth, enlightenment, and passing into Nirvana of Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha.
The modern celebration of the Visak Bochea Day can be traced back to the mid-19th century during the reign of King Ang Duong. He institutionalized Buddhist festivals as a way to strengthen the connection between religion and the state, and the Visak Bochea Day was one of the key festivals established during his rule.
In 2002, the Buddha’s relics were relocated from Phnom Penh to Oudong Mountain, located about 40 kilometers from the capital. Since then, this historical site—home to the royal tombs of past kings—has become the main venue for the annual Visak Bochea Day celebrations.
On Visak Bochea Day, members of the Cambodian royal family, senators, members of parliament, government officials, monks, and Buddhist devotees gather at Oudong Mountain to celebrate the occasion.
The king presides over the sacred flame lighting ceremony, while the prime minister leads officials in making offerings (alms-giving).
Monks and devotees participate in Buddhist flower float parades, carrying lotus flowers and incense as they travel together from the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh to Oudong Mountain. There, they offer their respects and worship at the Stupa housing the Buddha’s relics, praying for national peace, favorable weather, and good fortune.
Over 90% of Cambodians are Buddhists, so Buddhist festivals are celebrated nationwide. Besides Oudong Mountain, various temples also hold Visak Bochea Day worship activities. Visitors can join these celebrations and fully immerse themselves in Cambodia’s Buddhist culture.
