On 26 May 2019, the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Kolkata hosted a Buddhist Merit Making Ceremony, on the occasion of the Buddha’s Cremation Commemorative Day and pursuant to the Vesak Day Celebration, at its office in Kolkata, West Bengal, India. Phra Maha Nipon Prasandee, Secretary to the Chief Monk of the Royal Thai Monastery in Buddhagaya, presided over the ceremony. Miss Sweeya Santipitaks, Consul-General of Thailand in Kolkata, was the chief representative of approximately 25 lay persons, including diplomats, local staff and Thai community members.

 

          The Consul-General of Thailand lit the candles and incense, followed by the Buddhist chanting of all participants. The Thai monk gave his Buddhist sermon. The Royal Thai Consulate-General presented lunch offerings to the monk. All participants presented flower and money offerings and, together, received blessings from the Buddhist Monk. The gathering event was concluded by lunch hosted by the Royal Thai Consulate-General for all the participating members of the Thai community.