Buddhist Mandala Foundation Holds 71st Anniversary Ceremony
The Supreme Sangha Council held a merit-making ceremony on July 27, 2026, marking 71 years since the Buddhist Mandala's groundbreaking in 1955 under royal patronage.
On Monday, July 27, 2026, the Supreme Sangha Council held a merit-making ceremony on Buddhist Mandala Commemoration Day for the Buddhist era 2569, marking 71 years since the auspicious groundbreaking on July 29, 1955. The event was presided over by Somdet Phra Phutthacharn (Sanit Chuanpanyo), a Supreme Sangha Council member and abbot of Trimitr Witthayaram Temple, at the Sri Sakyamuni Dhammarajadasa Buddha image pavilion.
Activities included a worship ceremony for the principal Buddha image, merit-making dedications to past Supreme Patriarchs, merit-making dedications to the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej as patron of the Buddhist Mandala, merit-making dedications to all benefactors past and present, and chanting of Buddhist scriptures. The National Buddhism Office Director, Udompon Ekiam, tasked Deputy Director Kanikanant Lorsitong to lead government officials and representatives from both public and private sectors, along with descendants of those who helped establish and develop the Buddhist Mandala, in participating in the ceremony.
On July 29, 1955, King Bhumibol Adulyadej performed the auspicious groundbreaking ceremony for the Buddhist Mandala, marking the highest state occasion. Since then, under royal and sangha patronage, the Mandala project has continued, receiving constant royal support. Today's reigning Monarch has sustained and further developed this royal work. The National Buddhism Office designated July 29 as "Buddhist Mandala Commemoration Day" each year in recognition of the royal and spiritual benevolence of all who have contributed to the Mandala as a central Buddhist treasure.
