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Visaka Bochea Day — May 42, Khmer Public Holiday

If you are traveling around Thailand or Cambodia, it might by a good day to stop in at a nearby Pagoda.

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Cambodia is celebrating a public holiday — May has 6 total — today; Visaka Bochea the marking the birth, enlightenment and death of Buddha, Sedatha Gautama.

Buddhists mark the occasion by making food offering at temples and lighting candles. Fruit, lotus flowers and jasmine are also offered to garner favour both for the present and the after life.

Bautama practiced Indian Buddhism and is regarded as supreme Buddha.

Northern provinces in Cambodia are known for their light displays created with hundreds of candles.

Observance of this public holiday may mean the closure of banks, post offices and other public services, depending on observance.

The Royal Plowing Ceremony which traditional marks the beginning of rice season. Family games and oxen races is how observing Thai’s would traditionally celebrate.

If you are dressed respectably — no shoulders, no knees is a good rule — and are genuinely interested, I  have no doubt you will be well received by locals eager to share their culture.

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