The 45-feet tall statue of walking Buddha at the Centenary Park in the capital was inaugurated today. The inauguration was graced by Prime Minister, Jigmi Y Thinley and Charge d’ Affairs of the Thai embassy, Dhaka. It took exactly 48 days to complete.
Hundreds of people from Thailand and local residents gathered to attend the inaugural ceremony.
In his inaugural speech Lyonchhoen thanked the people of Thailand and said it was the most appropriate symbol to celebrate the 84th Birth Anniversary of Thailand’s King, and the Wedding anniversary of His Majesty the King. Lyonchhoen said the statue would create the conditions to aspire the people to pursue for happiness.
“Through this image of walking Buddha, it’s my hope and certainly my confidence that is, anyone who walks to this park and who enjoys this park will, firstly remember that there are two such wonderful people in our world today. Secondly that, this statue will serve to remind all those who visit the park of the wonderful friendship that our two countries and the two people enjoy. And thirdly that as people enjoy this park they will also have a spiritual experience that they will receive inspiration and that they will find cause to contemplate and mediate on the purpose and meaning of life here in our country, it is happiness,” said the Prime Minister.
The ceremony was followed by lighting of peace candles and recitation of prayers. The abbot of Thailand, Phrakhrusangkharak Boonsong, also offered gifts to the Prime Minister, and other dignitaries. This is the first ever walking Buddha statue in the country.
