UN celebrates Vesak

The United Nations celebrated Vesak on May 7 at the UN General Assembly Hall. The United Nations has also adopted Vesak as the official term and have officially recognised it as one of its International Days, as stated in the UN's GA Resolution 54/115 of 2000. The International Day of Vesak has been commemorated annually at the United Nations Headquarters as well as its offices worldwide. The unique feature of the celebrations is that each year a different Permanent Mission to the United Nations hosts the event. The Vesak event this year included cultural activities, supported by a number of Buddhist and non-Buddhist countries.

This year's Vesak Day was also commemorated with a series of events organised by the Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the United Nations in New York with the assistance of other missions.

The heads of the United Nations bodies along with other senior officials of the UN system attended the occasion. Permanent representatives of member states also attended the event. A number of them addressed the gathering.

A large number of Buddhist monks from around the world also participated, along with religious dignitaries from other religions. Following the special commemorative event at the General Assembly Hall, cultural performances was held at the Visitor's Lobby of the UN, depicting the rich Buddhist heritage of the organising member states.

The day concluded with a food festival hosted by the organising member states, representing delicacies from over 19 nations.

Courtesy: Buddhist Channel